Authorities are looking beyond the immediate chaos of Sunday’s anti-corruption demonstrations after several arrested minors reportedly admitted that some groups had urged them to set fire to Malacañang Palace.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla revealed the claims on Monday, stressing that investigators must carefully weigh the statements because they came from children in conflict with the law who require processing by social workers. Still, he warned that the mere suggestion of torching the presidential palace underscores a troubling new dimension in how unrest is being weaponized.
“What we are seeing here is not just spontaneous anger—it looks like certain actors are deliberately planting ideas in the minds of young people,” Remulla said. “When minors are talking about burning down the seat of government, it raises the question of who is influencing them, and for what purpose.”
Adults behind the curtain
Remulla cautioned that adults proven to have pushed minors into carrying out violent acts will face the full weight of the law. Offenses could range from arson and physical assault to sedition, depending on the evidence.
“Even the statement, ‘We intend to burn the Palace,’ can already be considered seditious,” he said, adding that the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Philippine National Police are now tracing possible handlers who may have exploited the protests to sow instability.
Terror concerns and prevented scenarios
The interior chief also confirmed that intelligence units had monitored chatter suggesting that extremist groups were eyeing the rallies as an opportunity for sabotage. Contingency plans were drawn up to prevent incidents such as bomb attacks at Luneta or the People Power Monument, where largely peaceful demonstrations were held.
To counter this threat, over 400 plainclothes policemen were deployed to monitor the crowds. “Our nightmare scenario did not happen because vigilance worked,” Remulla said.
Heavy toll on both sides
The September 21 protests, timed with the anniversary of martial law under Ferdinand Marcos Sr., ended with 216 arrests—127 adults and 89 minors. Meanwhile, 95 police officers were reported injured in the confrontations at Ayala Bridge and Mendiola.
Organizers had intended the rallies to spotlight alleged corruption in flood-control projects, but the disturbances shifted focus to security concerns. Authorities now face the challenge of balancing public space for dissent with preventing it from being hijacked by actors with darker agendas.