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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DILG: Violent Sept. 21 protesters face charges of sedition, frustrated homicide

DILG: Violent Sept. 21 protesters face charges of sedition, frustrated homicide

Published Sep 22, 2025 02:24 pm
The  protesters who were arrested for their involvement in violent incidents during the Sept. 21 anti-corruption protest rallies stand to face physical injury and even sedition and frustrated homicide charges, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic’’ Remulla said on  Monday, Sept. 22.
In a press briefing, Remulla said the 216 arrested individuals include 89 minors and 127 adults. They were accused of burning vehicles, hurling rocks, lobbing Molotov cocktails and looting a budget hotel. 
“They can go as far as sedition,’’ Remulla said.
He added that the group of individuals who hurled Molotov cocktails at the police may be charged with frustrated homicide.
“We consider that an intent to kill,” Remulla pointed out.
Remulla stated that “what began as massive but peaceful assemblies in Luneta and elsewhere escalated into violent clashes at Ayala Bridge, Mendiola and Claro M. Recto Avenue.’’ 
The Manila Police District (MPD) also noted that a group of hip-hop gangsters was possibly behind the violence.
Remulla added that initial information pointed that minors involved in the violent rally intended to breach the perimeter and reach Malacañang Palace to burn it.
He noted that the “first children in conflict with the law interviewed said that they had intended to burn the Palace.’’
“So, for the part of their intent will come out in the next few days after the interrogation of all those held. The suspects are all held at the MPD station where they are undergoing processing. The minors are being interviewed by the DSWD to determine whether they will be tried as adults in the coming months,’’ Remulla revealed.
Remulla said police merely pushed the violent rallyists back and observed maximum tolerance “only when the mob were throwing Molotov cocktails.’’
“When rocks were thrown, you could shield yourself but Molotov cocktails crossed the line, that can cause death,’’ he noted. 
Except for the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, Remulla emphasized that the police officer frontliners were unarmed since there was a chance that unruly protesters might snatch their firearms from them.
“They acted according to law. No firearms were discharged by the police during the clashes. The purpose of having no firearms is because when you engage a crowd, the chances of your firearm being pulled from you and being used against you is very high. There was no discharge of weapons from any PNP (Philippine National Police) official. I repeat, there was no discharge of weapons,’’ Remulla exclaimed.
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