A Filipino-Chinese allegedly financed a violent group that clashed with police and caused widespread property damage during the Sept. 21 anti-corruption rally in Manila, according to Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso.

In a press interview on Monday, Sept. 22, Domagoso revealed that initial intelligence reports point to a former local politician -- reportedly backed by a Filipino-Chinese funder -- and a lawyer as being behind the organization and mobilization of violent protesters.

“Kinumpirma ni Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso na base sa initial reports, isang dating pulitiko na may Filipino-Chinese funder at isang abogado ang itinuturong nasa likod ng bayolenteng grupo na nanakit sa kapulisan at nanira ng mga ari-arian sa kasagsagan ng anti-corruption rally noong Setyembre 21 (Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso confirmed that based on initial reports, a former politician with a Filipino-Chinese funder and a lawyer are being linked to the violent group that attacked police officers and damaged property during the September 21 anti-corruption rally),” the Manila Public Information Office stated.

The mayor noted that these reports are still being verified by the Philippine National Police (PNP), but he said investigators are seriously pursuing leads on financial backing and possible orchestration by outside actors.

“May mga napabalita na mga instigator or nagplano na magbigay ng pera o funding sa ilang mga indibidwal na nanggulo noong gabi (There were reports that some instigators planned to give money or funding to individuals who caused the trouble that night),” he added.

When asked about rumors circulating online that a rapper was involved in organizing the violence, Domagoso clarified that several figures, including professionals and political personalities, are under scrutiny.

"I will let PNP do the investigation, but hindi lang iyan rapper, mayroon dyan abogado, isa naman, dating pulitiko sa Maynila. Kasi a few days before, I have intelligence report na may mga initiator or instigator na nagfu-fund sa mga batang ito (I will let the PNP handle the investigation, but it's not just a rapper—there’s a lawyer, and even a former politician in Manila. A few days before, I received intelligence reports about initiators or instigators funding these youths)," he expressed.

Authorities have already arrested 216 individuals in connection with the incident—127 adults and 89 minors. Among the minors, the youngest arrested was only 12 years old.

“Karamihan sa kanila ay mga menor de edad, at ang pinakabatang naaresto ay 12 taong gulang lamang (Most of them are minors, and the youngest arrested was only 12 years old)."

Domagoso expressed concern not only over the involvement of minors but also over the injuries sustained by police officers and the extent of the damage, which the city estimates could run into millions of pesos.

The mayor lamented that many police officers were also hurt, and the city government will need to spend millions to repair the damage.

He condemned the disruption caused by individuals whom he said were clearly distinct from legitimate protesters who demonstrated peacefully earlier in the day.

“I think even the viewers would like to differentiate the type of rallyists. ‘Yung nag-rally noong umaga, hapon at tanghali, iyon ang mga lehitimong rallyista (I think even the viewers can distinguish the types of rallyists. Those who protested in the morning, afternoon, and midday were the legitimate rallyists)."

“All of the sudden, from Cavite, Taguig, Pasay, Parañaque, Quezon City, Caloocan, na mga kabataan, ito 'yung mga nanggulo na noong gabi (were the ones who caused the trouble that night)."

Domagoso also debunked false online claims that up to 30 people died during the unrest, saying there is no evidence to support such rumors.

As legal proceedings move forward, the mayor vowed that all arrested suspects, their backers, and anyone proven to have orchestrated the violence will face justice.