Manila, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) is investigating whether the disruption caused by protesters in Manila is a form of terrorism.
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla has called the reports of casualties among protestors at Ayala Bridge and Recto on September 21, 2025 Trillion Rally March as “fake news.”
Remulla stated that while some were hurt, none of the protestors were seriously injured or brought to the hospital.
Based on the PNP’s records: 216 people were arrested, 89 of them were minors, while 95 PNP personnel were injured.
Remulla reiterated that the police got more hurt than the protesters, something that the public should know stating that there was no discharge of weapons and no teargas released on the side of the PNP.
The secretary also maintained that authorities did not use force even when they were being pelted with rocks and Molotov cocktails.
According to reports, protesters had intended to burn the Malacañang Palace, but the investigation is still ongoing and is set to be released in the next coming days.
Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Melencio Nartatez said they prepared for the protests in anticipation of the 53rd anniversary of Martial Law, deploying 50,000 PNP personnel.
He called the disturbances at Ayala Bridge and Mendiola “isolated incidents,” stating that the protestors did not succeed.
It is also being determined whether the disturbances, which included burning and attacking police and destroying government property, can be considered acts of terrorism.
Most of those involved are reportedly from Manila, and authorities are also looking into who may have ordered and paid for the disturbances.
The PNP rest assured the public that they will conduct investigation on the stabbing incident reported by the Department of Health.