Clashes in anti-corruption protests in the Philippines, over 200 arrested

International Desk | PNN

In Manila, the capital of the Philippines, anti-corruption protests escalated into intense clashes between masked demonstrators and police on Sunday night. On Monday morning, regional police reported that a total of 224 people were arrested, including several minors.

According to a police statement, while most gatherings were peaceful, protests in the Ayala Bridge and Mendiola areas “turned violent without provocation.” Protesters threw bricks and set motorcycles on fire. There were also incidents of vandalism and looting at a business establishment.

At least 131 police officers were injured in the clashes, several of whom are in serious condition but currently receiving medical care.

Al Jazeera correspondent Barnaby Lo reported from Manila that by Monday morning, normalcy had somewhat returned to the city, although police presence remained significantly higher than usual. Schools have been closed, and a curfew has been imposed for minors while investigations continue. He warned that further anti-corruption protests could occur and may become unpredictable.