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Manila Anti-Corruption Protest Turns Violent; Gunfire, Explosives Injure Dozens

What began as an anti-corruption protest turned violent in Recto and Mendiola, leaving dozens injured.

  • Publish date: Sunday، 21 September 2025 Reading time: 1 min read
Manila Anti-Corruption Protest Turns Violent; Gunfire, Explosives Injure Dozens

What started as a rally against corruption turned messy on Sunday evening when chaos broke out along Recto Avenue in Manila. A group—allegedly mostly teens—clashed with cops, hurled stones, set fires, and even stormed a Sogo Hotel branch.

Read More: Anger Over Corruption Sparks Huge ‘Trillion Peso March’ in Philippines

Recto Avenue mayhem

A local media reported that rioters smashed railings, burned debris in the streets, and pelted police with rocks, bottles, and even human waste. Cops struggled to push back as the group kept retreating and regrouping near Isettan Recto for fresh attacks.

Inside Sogo Hotel, the lobby was wrecked and valuables looted. Staff said wallets, cash, and cellphones were taken. “Parang magnanakaw na rin,” one employee told reporters.


 


 

Violence reaches Mendiola

In Mendiola, protesters allegedly threw Molotov bombs at police guarding the road to Malacañang. At least 39 policemen were hurt, with two rushed to the hospital. Authorities arrested 17 protesters, some of them minors, who may face charges depending on DSWD’s review.

Police response

Around 8 p.m., chaos escalated in Recto as police allegedly opened fire amid clashes with protesters and civilians. A bystander was reportedly hit in the neck by a stray bullet.

Tension gripped the University Belt as warnings spread for dormitories to stay locked, with reports claiming police were conducting searches and red-tagging individuals in the area.

This article was previously published on UAE Moments. To see the original article, click here

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