MANILA, Philippines — Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Monday vowed to press charges against individuals involved in violent incidents that marred Sunday’s largely peaceful anti-corruption rallies in Metro Manila and other parts of the country.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government said that 216 individuals, including minors, were arrested for burning vehicles, throwing rocks and Molotov cocktails, and looting a nearby motel.
Remulla described the rioters as “anarchists” who disrupted demonstrations against alleged corruption in flood control projects. He likened the disturbances to violent protest patterns in Nepal and Indonesia.
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 protest was about a better country, not about anarchy, and these people are anarchists,” Remulla said in a televised interview. He said the arrested minors could still face charges, with the Department of Social Welfare and Development assisting in their cases.
Remulla said that those who hurled Molotov cocktails at police may be charged with frustrated homicide. “We consider that an intent to kill,” he said.
Remulla stressed that “no firearms were discharged” by the police during the clashes.
