MANILA, Philippines — Protesters hurled Molotov bombs toward police at Ayala Bridge on Sunday, escalating a tense confrontation into a violent clash that continues into late afternoon.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla and National Capital Region Police Office chief Brigadier General Anthony Aberin oversaw the police response, calling for restraint even as officers deployed tear gas to push back the crowd.
The unrest began when police blocked the bridge with a container van to stop demonstrators from advancing toward central Manila. What started with stone- and bottle-throwing turned more dangerous as Molotov bombs exploded near police lines, setting fires and filling the area with smoke. Some protesters managed to seize police shields and vests in the chaos, further heightening the standoff.
At least 17 protesters were arrested after earlier fires, while a police officer and a radio reporter were injured. Despite repeated warnings, demonstrators—many masked—continued to hurl firebombs and rocks, refusing to disperse.
