Courtesy: The Varsitarian
A VIOLENT confrontation erupted near Mendiola Bridge on Sunday as rioters, clad in black and masked, clashed with police attempting to prevent them from reaching Malacañan Palace.
The protesters, a mix of patriotic and pop-culture imagery on display with Philippine flags and a One Piece-themed banner, engaged anti-riot police, resulting in chaos and disorder.
The rioters pelted stones at the police, their chants drowned out by the sounds of projectiles hitting plastic shields. A trailer was set ablaze, sending thick smoke billowing over the historic bridge as the mob attempted to torch another vehicle.
The scene was marked by the acrid smell of fuel and fire, mixed with shouts and sirens, creating an atmosphere of fury and unrest. The crowd surged forward, with some hoisting flags while others hurled debris at the police lines. Among the rioters were youths, some of whom police identified as underage, their faces concealed behind masks as they joined the assault on the police barricades.
During the melee, officers wrestled a masked individual to the ground and dragged him away, while other rioters scattered and regrouped. Police pushed back with shields raised, briefly forcing the crowd to retreat before the clashes erupted again. Approximately 10 rioters were taken into custody, and several police officers sustained minor injuries during the violence.
