Over 100 Police Officers Injured in September 21 Protest Violence, PNP Considers Awards

During the violent clashes at the September 21 protest near Malacañang, over 100 police personnel sustained injuries. Among those hospitalized is Patrolman Emerson Macasling, who was reportedly assaulted by individuals dressed in black, as shown in a widely circulated video capturing the attack. Macasling recounted, "I think about four people attacked me. I was the one being beaten in the video. I wasn’t sure if I was going to survive because my vision went blank. I just forced myself to run to stay alive." He remains under care at the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital.

Similarly, Patrolman King Francis Luno was admitted after receiving a deep arm wound following an assault by several men. Luno explained, "Someone grabbed a signage from the traffic center and struck us. We fell and then retreated. We’re not enemies — we’re all Filipinos."

The injured officers suspect that those responsible for the attacks were not typical protesters. Fortunately, most affected officers have since been discharged. PNP General Hospital chief surgeon Police Lieutenant Colonel Anna Marie Cabasal stated, "The condition of our patients is not serious. They are currently under monitoring and observation."

In response to the incident, the Philippine National Police is evaluating the possibility of awarding medals and rewards to the officers who were harmed. Police Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño, chief of the PNP Public Information Office, emphasized the need to consider the sacrifices of police members, remarking, "We must also consider the side of our injured PNP personnel. The harm inflicted upon them does not equate to the injuries sustained by the protesters, who caused these wounds."

A PNP report indicated that over 70 civilians were injured during the course of the unrest in Manila. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla highlighted the restrained approach of the police, noting, "The President’s directive clearly mandated that the PNP exercise maximum tolerance. They were only equipped with riot gear and did not carry firearms."