Violent Clashes Erupt Near Philippine Presidential Palace, Dozens Arrested Amid Anti-Corruption Protests
Violent Clashes Erupt Near Philippine Presidential Palace, Dozens Arrested Amid Anti-Corruption Protests
MANILA, Philippines – Violent clashes erupted Sunday near the Philippine presidential palace, resulting in the arrest of 49 individuals and injuries to approximately 70 law enforcement officers. The unrest unfolded while tens of thousands participated in a peaceful anti-corruption rally elsewhere in the capital.
Police reported that a group of around 100 individuals, some armed with clubs, hurled rocks, bottles, and fire bombs at officers, blocking heavily guarded roads and bridges. The attackers also engaged in vandalism, spraying graffiti, toppling steel posts, shattering glass panels, and ransacking a budget inn lobby. Authorities responded with tear gas to disperse the rioters, leading to the cancellation of local schools due to the violence.
As of Monday, police continue efforts to identify those involved, some of whom were seen carrying black flags with skull-and-crossbones caricatures. It remains unconfirmed if President Marcos Jr. was at Malacañang Palace during the chaos. Following the arrests, police stated the situation was “contained” but emphasized that violence and vandalism would not be tolerated.
The melee occurred concurrently with a massive peaceful demonstration where over 33,000 protesters expressed outrage over a widespread corruption scandal. The scandal centers on allegations that lawmakers, officials, and construction companies pocketed billions of pesos in kickbacks from vital flood-control projects in the impoverished, storm-battered nation. President Marcos Jr. himself highlighted the “horrible” scale of these anomalies in July, establishing an independent commission to investigate the 9,855 projects worth over 545 billion pesos ($9.5 billion) and accepting his public works secretary’s resignation.
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