Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso announced that about 216 persons—127 adults and 89 minors—have been arrested in connection with the September 21 riot that broke out in Mendiola amid a protest against corruption.
Domagoso said charges will be filed against the rioters as he urged their parents to cooperate with authorities.
“May sinira sila, pinerwisyo nila ang pribado at nananahimik na komunidad, pananagutan nila. Managot sila sa mga ginawa nilang bagay,” the mayor said.
“Sa mga magulang ng mga suspek, kung ako sa inyo, kausapin niyo na ang mga anak ninyo at tulungan ang mga pulis na ituro na kung sino ang mga tao behind this.”
“Sa mga magulang ng mga suspek, kung ako sa inyo, kausapin niyo na ang mga anak ninyo at tulungan ang mga pulis na ituro na kung sino ang mga tao behind this. [Kung hindi], kayo lang ang babalikat sa problemang binigay ninyo sa Maynila na inyong pananagutan sa batas,” he warned.
Domagoso said investigators are examining reports that some rioters were paid or otherwise organized by outside actors.
“May mga napabalita na mga instigator or nagplano na magbigay ng pera o funding sa ilang mga indibidwal na nanggulo noong gabi,” he added.
When asked whether there was a certain rapper who instigated the riots, Domagoso said he would defer to the Philippine National Police (PNP) on the criminal probe.
“I will let PNP do the investigation, but hindi lang iyan rapper, mayroon dyan abogado, isa naman, dating pulitiko sa Maynila. Kasi a few days before, I have intelligence report na may mga initiator or instigator na nagfu-fund sa mga batang ito,” he said.
Domagoso also noted the stark distinction between legitimate rallyists who demonstrated early in the day and the groups that turned violent at night.
“‘Yung nag-rally noong umaga, hapon at tanghali, iyon ang mga lehitimong rallyista.”
“I think even the viewers would like to differentiate the type of rallyists. ‘Yung nag-rally noong umaga, hapon at tanghali, iyon ang mga lehitimong rallyista,” he said.
“All of the sudden, from Cavite, Taguig, Pasay, Parañaque, Quezon City, Caloocan, na mga kabataan, ito yung mga nanggulo na noong gabi,” Domagoso noted.
He also pushed back on rumors circulating online about alleged 30 casualties, saying the city had found no evidence to support claims that dozens had died.
“May mga kumakalat ngayon sa mga chat group na 30 ang patay. Imposible namang may 30 na namatay. Wala naman sa ospital,” Domagoso said, urging the public to verify information and remain calm.
He also assured the public that city government personnel will clean all vandalized areas. Domagoso added that estimates of property damage will be finalized in the coming days.
