23/09/2025
Isko Moreno bares charges to be filed against rioters as Manila tallies damages
Various charges of illegal assembly, assault, and resistance will be filed against rioters who were arrested during the September 21 anti-corruption protests, Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso said Tuesday, September 23.
In an interview, Domagoso said the Manila Police District (MPD) confirmed that 127 adults and 89 minors were taken into custody.
Of the minors, 67 were classified as children in conflict with the law (CICL) while 24 were identified as children at risk (CAR).
Excluding the 24 CARs, Domagoso said charges will be filed against the 192 rioters for violation of Batas Pambansa 880 (The Public Assembly Act of 1985), Article 146 of the Revised Penal Code (Illegal Assembly), Article 148 (Assault against a person in authority and their agent), and Article 151 (Resistance and Disobedience).
He said further cases, including malicious mischief, arson, physical injuries, and inciting to sedition, are still under evaluation.
The Mayor acknowledged the involvement of minors in the unrest, stressing that many appeared to have acted with discernment based on interviews with city social workers.
He also urged Congress to consider legislative measures to address situations where minors are recruited into riots or mob actions.
“Are they doing it on their own, or are they being manipulated? Kailangan tingnan natin,” he said.
Domagoso also appealed to the parents of those arrested to cooperate with authorities.
“Kung ako sa inyo, kausapin niyo na ang mga anak ninyo at tulungan ang mga pulis na ituro kung sino ang mga tao behind this. Kung hindi, kayo lang ang babalikat sa problemang binigay ninyo sa Maynila na inyong pananagutan sa batas,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Mayor said that authorities are examining angles that point to possible instigators, including a lawyer, a Filipino-Chinese businessman, and a politician allegedly providing funds to rioters.
He added that other possibilities include attempts to divert public attention from corruption issues or to discredit legitimate protesters.
“Maybe to create chaos and destroy credibility, to make an impression that these people are rowdy,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Manila City government estimated damage to traffic signal facilities at five intersections along Recto Avenue at ₱692,785.64.
Domagoso said this was only part of the tally, with assessments still ongoing for vehicles, motorbikes, stoplights, streetlights, CCTV units, and permanent traffic barricades.
“Maybe in a week or ten days from now, mato-total na natin ang danyos,” he said, stressing that both public and private property losses will be charged to those responsible.