Bagong Alyansang Makabayan National Capital Region (BAYAN NCR) emphasized that the unrest in Mendiola during the 53rd anniversary of Martial Law should be understood as a reflection of the people’s deep-seated anger over corruption and systemic abuse.
“Kailangan natin i-recognize na ang chaos ay bunga ng matagal na panahong inipong galit ng taumbayan sa pang-aalipin at pagsasamantala sa kanila. Oo mali ang nangyayari pero sobrang valid ng galit nila,” said BAYAN NCR regional coordinator Alwen Santos
BAYAN National president Renato Reyes further said the program had already ended and their organized dispersal was underway when the unrest broke out.
“The people who stayed in Mendiola were angry, years of pent-up anger. They’re not affiliated with Bayan, but we could sense their anger,” Reyes stressed.
Santos added that the escalation should not be seen in isolation but as an outburst rooted in long-standing grievances.
“Wag tayong magalit sa mga mamamayan na pumutok ang galit nila, sa halip ay organisahin natin sila para mas maging organisado ang mga susunod na pagkilos. Mas magalit tayo sa mga pulis na nasaktan lang ay kaya nang pumatay agad at sa gubyernong milyun-milyon ang pinapatay sa kahirapan na dinudulot nila bunga sistematikong korapsyon at iba pang klaseng panloloko sa taumbayan pero hindi magawang tutukan ng baril ng mga pulis,” Santos explained.
Banners such as “Food Not Bombs” were also raised at the height of the tension. In a live report from Manila Today, protesters were seen waving the banner as police deployed a Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD).
The banner highlighted the current woes rooted in sociopolitical and economic crises amid worsening flooding and persisting corruption under the Marcos Jr. administration.
216 arrested, 95 police injured
In a press conference, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla reported that 216 individuals were arrested, including 117 adults, 65 children in conflict with the law (aged 15–17), and 24 children at risk (aged 14 and below).
Remulla said over 95 police officers were wounded, some requiring medical attention, though he maintained that “none of the injuries were serious” and “no casualties” were recorded.
“The directive to the PNP was to act with maximum tolerance. There was no discharge of weapon from any PNP official. They only pushed back when protesters threw Molotov cocktails,” he said, emphasizing that no protester was seriously hurt while the police were hurt more, “Nakakaawa po ang mga pulis natin.”
However, a live report from Manila Today showed at least seven police officers were seen repeatedly striking a protester with batons during the Mendiola riot. Several reports circulated with an officer caught on video pointing a gun at the protesters.
Meanwhile, Philippine National Police Acting Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. dismissed circulating reports of fatalities or gunshot wounds.
However, the Department of Health confirmed one casualty during the Mendiola riot.
“During the obligation, we did not see such incidents. If someone was stabbed, it was not the PNP. We don’t carry knives. All ambulances were present and no gunshot wounds were reported,” PNP acting chief Nartatez said.
Nartatez added that charges may include arson, grave physical injuries, sedition, and potentially terrorism under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
Rights groups demand access to detainees
On September 22, ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio and human rights lawyer Atty. Sol Taule of Karapatan went to the Manila Police District (MPD) to assist the arrested protesters.
Taule confirmed receiving reports that several individuals were being held inside the MPD headquarters, which was placed on lockdown.
“We call on the MPD to respect the rights of those arrested. Their relatives, lawyers, and doctors should be given access without delay. The arrested should not be harmed nor interrogated without the assistance of their lawyer of choice,” she said.
Families of several minors arrested during the dispersal said they have yet to see their children inside MPD custody.
