Over 130 Police Officers Injured as Masked Protesters Clashed with Authorities in Manila

At least 131 police personnel were injured during confrontations with a group of masked protesters, many of whom were minors, in incidents described by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) as deliberate acts of violence.

NCRPO Director Maj. Gen. Anthony A. Aberin reported that 113 protesters were detained, with some requiring medical treatment for injuries sustained during the clashes. "Several of those taken into custody were minors and are currently under investigation in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). They are facing charges including direct assault, physical injuries, arson, and other offenses supported by evidence," Aberin stated.

Aberin personally oversaw the security response, implementing multiple tactical adjustments after the protesters persistently attempted to breach police barricades and lines.

Initial demonstrations at Luneta Park in Manila and the People Power Monument in Quezon City remained largely peaceful. However, violence erupted in the afternoon when a faction of masked individuals initiated attacks on police officers near the Ayala Bridge in Manila. Some assailants deployed Molotov cocktails, setting fire to container vans and motorcycles.

Subsequently, another group of masked protesters assaulted police forces in an effort to force passage through barricades. Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla indicated that these coordinated actions suggested plans to target Malacañang Palace.

"The majority of assemblies conducted across Metro Manila, particularly at EDSA and Luneta, proceeded peacefully and orderly. Regrettably, gatherings at Ayala Bridge and Mendiola, though initially unprovoked, escalated to violent confrontations," Aberin remarked.

During these incidents, demonstrators transformed into aggressive mobs, hurling stones and various objects at law enforcement personnel. Beyond physical assaults, violent protesters vandalized property, setting motorcycles ablaze and damaging commercial establishments. These acts were documented and widely disseminated on social media platforms.

Several police officers required hospitalization due to injuries sustained.

While NCRPO fully endorses Filipinos' constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, Aberin emphasized that these liberties carry limitations. "Such rights must be exercised responsibly and within legal boundaries. Violence and criminal conduct will not be condoned," he asserted.

Aberin praised his officers for maintaining professionalism under duress. "Despite provocations and orchestrated violence, the National Capital Region Police Office upheld maximum tolerance. Our personnel remained composed, professional, and persevered through these challenges," he said.

He reaffirmed the police force's dedication to safeguarding the constitutional rights of all individuals. "Our commitment is to protect the safety and security of everyone involved in assemblies — including protesters, bystanders, commuters, business owners, and our police officers," Aberin concluded.