DILG probe uncovers alleged masterminds, financiers behind violent Manila riot; Minors paid 3K each
• The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) claims that minors were paid P3,000 each to participate in the Mendiola riot
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• DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla states that the participants were allegedly instructed to reach Malacañang Palace and set it on fire
• Authorities are currently investigating 217 individuals, including 95 minors, to identify the organizers and financiers of the violent disturbance
• The DILG reports that the police did not use tear gas and were instead attacked with it by the rioters, resulting in injuries to nearly 100 officers
The riot that occurred on September 21 during anti-corruption rallies in Manila was a pre-meditated and paid operation, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
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DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla revealed that a number of minors were allegedly recruited and compensated to incite chaos.
The incident, which took a violent turn near Mendiola Street, is now the subject of a comprehensive investigation by authorities.
In a public statement, Secretary Remulla said that an organized group paid children as young as 11 years old a sum of P3,000 each to participate in the disturbance.
The DILG has acquired video evidence showing these children displaying the cash on social media.
According to the DILG chief, the instructions given to the minors were straightforward: "If you can reach the palace, burn it. That was it."
The incident, he asserted, was not a legitimate, cause-oriented protest but rather a financially motivated act of disturbance intended to destabilize the government.
A total of 217 individuals are currently under investigation for their involvement, with 95 of them being minors.
Authorities are meticulously reviewing witness testimonies, online videos, and photographs to identify the organizers and financiers behind the riot.
While several names have surfaced in the course of the probe, no formal charges have been filed yet, as officials are prioritizing a solid case build-up.
The potential charges include arson, destruction of property, inciting to sedition, and sedition.
The violence resulted in significant casualties and property damage. According to reports from the Manila Police District (MPD), at least 93 police officers were injured during the clashes.
The DILG also clarified that law enforcement did not use tear gas, refuting claims that circulated online. Instead, police were reportedly attacked with tear gas, fireworks, and even water from canals by the rioters.
The aftermath of the riot included the burning of a trailer truck and two motorcycles, and the ransacking of a motel.
The narrative from the DILG and police stands in contrast to statements from other groups.
The International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP) has stated that the arrested individuals are "far from criminals," characterizing the demonstrations as a "legitimate outpouring of people's anger" against government corruption.
The group also raised concerns about human rights violations during the dispersal and called for the immediate release of those detained.
Meanwhile, authorities are also investigating other angles, including potential links to terror groups and the possibility that the rioters were influenced by a popular rapper.
News, photos, or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable stories.
In other news, businessman Loren Cruz denied being the bagman of dismissed DPWH engineer Henry Alcantara. Cruz admitted owning the “tambayan” but claimed money was delivered there only once. Sen. Raffy Tulfo slammed Cruz, saying it was impossible he was unaware of cash drop-offs. Ex-assistant engineer Brice Hernandez contradicted Cruz, saying even a billion pesos was once delivered for a proponent linked to Rep. Zaldy Co.
Still in other news, protester Nath faced body shaming online after performing an anti-corruption song at a rally. Netizens mocked her armpits instead of focusing on her message against government corruption. Artists’ group Sining Tinta condemned the ridicule, calling body shaming a “state-imposed, capitalist aesthetic.” The group urged the public to direct outrage toward corruption, injustice, and abuse of power.
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