MARCOS, MAYOR ISKO VOW LEGAL ACTION VS RIOTERS, COHORTS

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso have both condemned the violent acts that erupted during the anti-corruption rallies in Manila on Sept. 21, vowing to hold accountable those responsible for the chaos that marred an otherwise peaceful demonstration.

- BY ARGYLL GEDUCOS, PATRICK GARCIA

In a Palace briefing on Sept. 22, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro relayed President Marcos’ directive to pursue legal action against individuals who turned the peaceful rally into a scene of “anarchy.”

She singled out a group referred to as “Team Itim,” describing them as masked agitators who burned property, attacked police with rocks and Molotov cocktails, and incited violence in Mendiola and Ayala Bridge.

“Mananagot ang lahat,” Castro declared. “That is what President Marcos wants—for all who used violence during the peaceful rally on Sunday.”

She emphasized that these individuals were not legitimate protesters but opportunists who committed theft, arson, and destruction.

Castro also warned those who manipulated minors into participating in the violence, calling them “greedy for power.”

Mayor Domagoso, who personally inspected the damage in Mendiola, echoed the President's stance.

He expressed sorrow over the destruction and clarified that the violence was not caused by the peaceful rallyists who had gathered earlier in the day.