Manila Authorities to File Charges Against 192 Arrested in September Anti-Corruption Protests

Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso disclosed on Tuesday that authorities plan to press multiple charges against individuals apprehended during the September 21 anti-corruption demonstrations.

According to Domagoso, the Manila Police District confirmed the arrest of 127 adults and 89 minors. Among the juveniles, 67 have been classified as children in conflict with the law, while 24 are considered children at risk. Charges will be filed against 192 individuals, excluding the children at risk, for offenses including illegal assembly, assault on persons in authority, resistance, and disobedience.

The mayor added that additional charges such as malicious mischief, arson, physical injuries, and inciting to sedition remain under review as investigations continue.

Highlighting concerns about the involvement of minors in such incidents, Domagoso urged Congress to consider legislation addressing the recruitment of children into riots or mob activities. He questioned, "Are they acting independently, or are they being manipulated? We need to take a closer look at this issue."

Mayor Domagoso also called on the parents of those detained to assist law enforcement efforts, emphasizing the importance of identifying the individuals orchestrating the unrest. He warned, "If I were you, talk to your children and help the police point out who the people are behind this. Otherwise, you will be the only ones responsible for the problem you have given to Manila, which you are legally responsible for."

Authorities are currently investigating possible instigators, including a lawyer, a Filipino-Chinese businessman, and a politician, who are suspected of funding the rioters. Domagoso suggested that the disturbances might have been an attempt to divert public attention from corruption issues or to undermine genuine protest movements. "Perhaps the goal was to create chaos and destroy credibility, to make an impression that these people are rowdy," he remarked.

The Manila local government has estimated the damage to traffic signal infrastructure at five Recto Avenue intersections to amount to approximately PHP 692,785.64. Domagoso noted that this figure reflects only a portion of the total damage, as further assessments are underway to evaluate harm to vehicles, motorcycles, streetlights, CCTV units, and permanent traffic barricades. "Maybe in a week or ten days from now, we could determine the total amount of damage," he stated, adding that both public and private property damage will be charged to those found responsible.

In a related response, Cardinal Pablo David, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, expressed sorrow over the violent turn of events during the Mendiola rally. He emphasized that the "Trillion Peso March" was intended as a peaceful call for accountability and justice, not as an incitement to violence.