The 91 youths were among the 244 people arrested during the anti-corruption protest on September 21 in Mendiola. According to police, they were not just bystanders but actively participated in the chaos at Mendiola, Ayala Bridge, and Recto Avenue. Some admitted to being influenced by online groups and a popular rapper.
One protester died after being stabbed and another is currently being treated in the hospital for a gunshot wound. Mayor Isko Moreno stressed that the city will not tolerate the use of youth in violent protest actions.
The Makabayan bloc called on Congress to immediately release the 91 minors. According to them, 27 of them are “children at risk” aged 15 and below. Former congressman Carlos Zarate also requested that all cases filed against those arrested be dismissed.
Rep. Leila de Lima condemned the violence of some youths. She said this is not the right way to fight those who steal billions of pesos while millions go hungry. She also praised the police for maintaining maximum tolerance.
Pinaalala ni Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David na bagama’t mahalaga ang hustisya at pananagutan sa mga anomalyang may kinalaman sa flood control, hindi dapat gumamit ng karahasan ang mamamayan.
