MANILA Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno has claimed to have received initial reports alleging that a former politician and a lawyer funded the rallyists who caused significant property damage along Recto Avenue during a recent anti-corruption protest.
Moreno made the statement during an ambush interview, stating that the reports, while still sketchy, identified a Filipino-Chinese businessman and a lawyer as the funders of the protesting youth. The mayor indicated that the individuals involved came from various areas in Metro Manila, including Taguig, Pasay, Parañaque, Caloocan, and Quezon City.
The Manila Police District reported that 113 individuals were arrested for acts of vandalism, including throwing rocks, destroying property, and burning tires.
Moreno also stated that approximately 100 police officers sustained injuries during the unrest, with one officer initially in critical condition but now reported to be safe. The estimated damage caused by the protesters is estimated to be in the millions of pesos.
Moreno vehemently denied rumors of fatalities during the protest, urging the public to disregard such claims, stating that the media would have already reported any deaths if they had occurred. He further suggested that those spreading reports of police brutality and fatalities were likely the same individuals who instigated the violence and are now fearful of facing the consequences.
