“Clashes Erupt at Philippine Anti-Corruption Rally, Arrest Count Increases”

Over 200 Arrested in Manila During Anti-Corruption Protest Clashes.

Police in Manila detained over 200 people, including at least 88 minors, after clashes erupted during largely peaceful anti-corruption protests on Sunday. Authorities used water cannons and sirens to disperse masked, rock-throwing protesters. The city’s mayor, Isko Moreno, confirmed a 12-year-old boy was the youngest among those arrested.

Thousands of Filipinos had rallied against a bogus flood-control scandal that has implicated multiple lawmakers and led to the resignation of congressional leaders. While many demonstrators, including families, clergy, and politicians, remained peaceful, clashes resulted in burned police vehicles and damage to a precinct headquarters.

Police said the motives of some detained remain unclear and investigations are ongoing to determine whether they were part of the protest or opportunistic troublemakers. 50 people were hospitalized, and 93 officers were injured.

The scandal has cost the Philippines billions, with estimates ranging from $2 billion to $18 billion, and comes as the country braces for Super Typhoon Ragasa, highlighting its ongoing vulnerability to storms and floods.