Mendiola riots: 91 minors detained

MANILA, Philippines — Ninety-one minors were among 244 people arrested during the Sept. 21 anti-corruption protest, according to authorities.

Police said the minors were not bystanders as they actively participated in riots across Mendiola, Ayala Bridge and Recto Avenue.

Some of them admitted to being influenced by online groups and a popular rapper. Others were brought in from Parañaque, Caloocan and Cavite, Manila Police District spokesman Maj. Philip Ines said.

A protester died after being stabbed and another is recuperating in the hospital from a gunshot wound.

Mayor Isko Moreno denounced the use of children in violent protests, stressing that the city will not tolerate chaos.

Release minors

The 91 detained minors should be released immediately, the progressive Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives said.

“We learned that at least 216 had been arrested, including 91 minors, of whom 27 are considered children at risk aged 15 and below,” Representatives Antonio Tinio (ACT Teachers party-list), Renee Louise Co (Kabataan) and Sarah Jane Elago (Gabriela) said in a joint statement.

Former Bayan Muna congressman Carlos Isagani Zarate called for the dismissal of all charges filed against those who were arrested in Mendiola.

Violence

The violence perpetrated by a group of youths during the Sept. 21 protests has been condemned by ML party-list Rep. Leila de Lima.

“This is not how we deal with disgust at people who steal billions of pesos while millions go hungry,” De Lima said.

She lauded the police for observing maximum tolerance.

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines president and Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David said despite the public demand for justice and accountability in flood control anomalies, people should not engage in violence. — Jose Rodel Clapano, Evelyn Macairan