Over 200 Protesters Arrested in the Philippines; Families Brave Rain to Demand Release

(Manila, 23rd) Philippine police have arrested more than 200 protesters participating in a demonstration against fraudulent flood control projects, the youngest of whom was only 12 years old.
On Sunday (September 21), the Philippine capital Manila witnessed a massive demonstration, which escalated from a peaceful assembly into violent clashes. Protesters burned several police vehicles and smashed windows at the police headquarters. Police spokesperson reported on Monday (22nd) that, according to preliminary statistics, authorities detained 216 people on the day of the protest, with at least 88 of them being minors.
Regional police spokesperson Asilo stated that so far, no one has provided a motive for the violence, nor has anyone admitted to having been incited, but "once their background is investigated, we will be able to determine whether they are genuine protesters or troublemakers."
According to the Philippine health department, about 50 people were sent to Manila hospitals for treatment after the clashes. Police said a total of 93 officers were injured on the day of the protest.
Numerous parents and citizens braved the rain outside the Manila police headquarters on Monday, calling on authorities to release the protesters. One mother, Michelle, told AFP that her 13-year-old son was also arrested, but she insisted that her son was merely a bystander and did not participate in the protest.

Michelle said: "Even any bit of information regarding his condition inside or how to rescue him is extremely important."
Another mother showed reporters her 27-year-old son's disability card, worried that her son, who has language difficulties, might not be able to defend himself in detention.
The protest was organized to oppose the Marcos Jr. administration's alleged corruption in flood control projects. The case, which involves a large number of people and massive sums of money, was exposed in August, sparking public outrage and a nationwide protest wave, with demonstrations erupting in more than 20 cities on Sunday.
The Philippine Department of Finance estimates that from 2023 to 2025, corruption in flood control projects has caused losses of up to 118.5 billion pesos (about 8.84 billion ringgit); Greenpeace, however, believes the actual loss may be close to 18 billion US dollars (about 58.96 billion ringgit).