At least 131 policemen were injured after a group of masked protesters, some of them were minors, attacked police forces in what the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) described as premeditated violence.

NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Anthony A. Aberin said a total of 113 protesters, including minors, were arrested and were later provided with medical attention as some of them also suffered injuries.

“Some of those arrested were minors and were investigated with DSWD. They will face charges for direct assault, physical injuries, arson, and other charges that may be grounded on available evidence,” said Aberin.

Aberin personally supervised the situation and directed several security adjustments after the protesters repeatedly tried to force their way to the barricade and police lines.

The protest actions in two major sites—Luneta in Manila and People Power Monument in Quezon City—were going well but in the afternoon, a group of masked men started attacking policemen near the Ayala Bridge in Manila.

Some of them used Molotov bombs and set fire on container vans and motorcycles.

Later, another group masked protesters also initiated the attack on policemen in a bid to pass the barricade, with Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the groups appeared to have planned to attack Malacañang.

“Most assemblies held across Metro Manila were peaceful and orderly, particularly those in EDSA and Luneta. Unfortunately, the gathering in Ayala bridge and Mendiola, even though unprovoked, turned very violent,” said Aberin,

“Protesters turned mobs assaulted police officers with stones and anything they can get their hands on. Not satisfied with harming police officers in uniform, violent protesters set motorcycles on fire, vandalized and ransacked a business establishment. These unlawful acts were recorded and have since circulated on social media,” he added.

Several policemen were hospitalized as a result of the incident.

While the NCRPO respect the rights of Filipinos to peaceful assembly and freedom expression, Aberin said these rights has imitations.

“These rights must be exercised responsibly and within the bounds of law. Violence and criminality will not be tolerated,” said Aberin.

Aberin then lauded his men for being observing maximum tolerance despite the repeated provocation and aggression by the protesters.

“Your National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) maintained maximum tolerance despite premeditated violence. Despite such despicable aggression, your police officers remained composed, professional, and exercised maximum tolerance,” said Aberin

“The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) reaffirms its commitment to uphold every Filipino’s constitutional right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. Our mission has always been clear: to ensure the safety of and security of everyone in the assemblies—protesters, bystanders, commuters, business owners, and police officers,” he emphasized.