The Philippine National Police (PNP) will file airtight cases against those responsible for the violence during the Sept. 21 anti-corruption rallies that left nearly 100 police officers injured.
PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said investigators are gathering evidence, from suspect interrogations to social media reviews, to ensure accountability.
“The investigation is ongoing… Pero ang tinitiyak ng PNP sa ating mga kababayan sa ngayon ay mananagot ang lahat ng may kinalaman dito,” Nartatez said.
The protests were mostly peaceful until masked men allegedly incited violence at Ayala Bridge and Mendiola, where a container truck was torched. At least 95 PNP personnel were hurt, some seriously.
“This is not police brutality as others want to make it out to be, ito ay maliwanag na kaso ng brutality sa ating mga kapulisan—at hindi natin palalampasin ito,” Nartatez added.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla lauded the 50,000 deployed officers for exercising maximum tolerance. Despite tensions, police did not fire weapons or use tear gas.
Authorities reported 216 arrests, including 127 adults and 89 minors. The adults face charges of arson, grave physical injuries, and sedition, while the minors were referred to the DSWD.
Nartatez emphasized that while the PNP upheld protesters’ right to expression, those behind the violence will face legal consequences.