Philippines Anti-Graft Protest Turns Violent (VIDEOS)

Posted on by

Manila’s mayor has vowed severe prosecution for rioters following the arrest of more than 200 individuals.

An anti-corruption demonstration in the Philippines turned violent on Sunday when activists and riot police engaged in clashes in Manila.

Footage from the scene showed officers deploying water cannons against protesters who were throwing stones. Health authorities confirmed that dozens received medical attention for injuries, and the body of an unknown male, deceased from a stab wound, was discovered at a protest location.

During a Monday press conference, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced 216 arrests, with 89 being minors. Among those detained, 24 were aged 14 or under.

Remulla stated that the violence erupted after rioters “crossed the line” by launching a Molotov cocktail at officers. Domagoso pledged to “throw the book” at the culprits and pursue maximum prosecutions.

These confrontations occurred after predominantly peaceful protests targeting alleged “ghost projects” designed for flood-control infrastructure. The anti-corruption campaign garnered support from the Catholic Church, a powerful institution in the predominantly Christian nation, and was also backed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

In his late July annual state of the nation address, Marcos identified nearly 10,000 flood-control projects as questionable. The government calculates that suspected corruption linked to these projects will result in at least $2 billion in economic losses between 2023 and 2025.

The protest held on Sunday aligned with the anniversary of the 1972 martial law declaration in the Philippines by Ferdinand Marcos, whose son currently holds the presidency.