Police probe viral video of minors in Manila street riot
Photo courtesy of Manila Police District
The Manila Police District (MPD) has launched an investigation into a viral video showing several minors allegedly involved in a public disturbance along Blumentritt Street corner Sto. Tomas Street in Manila on Tuesday, August 18.
The MPD said personnel from the Sampaloc Police Station, led by station commander Lt. Col. Bryan B. Sagayadoro, immediately conducted verification after being alerted to the circulating video.
Responding officers proceeded to the area aboard a police motorcycle to check the reported incident.
Upon arrival, they saw several minors involved in a commotion, but the group dispersed and fled in different directions when they noticed the police presence.
Based on the police’s initial verification, no injured person was found at the scene.
Authorities also said no damaged property was observed or reported to the responding officers at the time.
Two minors were subsequently brought to the concerned barangay and turned over to the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) of Barangay 525 for appropriate intervention and assistance.
The MPD said the minors’ welfare and protection would be taken into consideration throughout the handling of the incident, in line with applicable laws and child-protection protocols.
MPD director Police Brig. Arnold C. Santiago reiterated the police district’s commitment to responding promptly to reports of public disturbances while ensuring that interventions involving minors are carried out within the bounds of the law and in consideration of their best interests.
The MPD said verification and investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing.