The Philippine National Police (PNP) dismissed concerns of an “intelligence failure” following the violent protests in Manila on September 21, describing the incidents as “isolated cases.”
In a press conference on Monday, September 22, PNP Public Information Chief P/BGen. Randulf Tuaño said the unrest was triggered by agitators within the ranks of young demonstrators and not due to any lapse in police preparations.
“Kung mapapansin po ninyo sinabi natin na poproteksyunan natin ang mga protesters, bystanders at ang community at large. Kaya ang sinasabi natin ito ay naging desisyon ng mga agitators sa mga batang nahuli at sila’y nahuli pagdudusahan nila yung kanilang pagkakamali,” Tuaño said.
In a separate interview with DZRH, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla revealed that authorities had prior intelligence indicating that some protesters were planning to march toward Malacañang Palace and set it on fire.
Remulla said strict security measures were enforced at the Palace, although President Marcos had ordered “maximum tolerance” in handling demonstrators.
“Ayon sa investigation namin may natukoy nga kami na mga personality ang problema lang kasi sa mga batang ito mga ‘geng geng hindi ko alam kung anong tawag sa kanila eh, nagyayabang pa sa Tiktok,” Remulla said.
According to him, at least five individuals have been tagged as persons of interest for distributing money, allegedly ₱3,000 each, to rally participants.
"Mayroon na kaming persons of interest mga lima sila, na nagditribute ng pera noong araw na ‘iyon," Remulla stated.
"Ang bayad sa mga bata P3,000 each…Hindi sila cause-oriented, pera-pera lang kaya makikita na ang ginagawa nila, lulusob, mangbabato at saka naging looters. Nagsusunog ng kotse, pinasok ang SOGO, ninakaw ang cash vault," he said.
The arrested youths reportedly admitted to being paid to join the demonstrations, some of whom carried Molotov cocktails, stones, and allegedly planned to burn down the Palace.
Remulla also claimed that the rioters looted establishments, including a hotel in Manila, and torched vehicles during the chaos.
'One Piece’ flag raises concern
Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro told DZRH News that authorities are investigating the use of protest flags bearing the “skull and crossbones” logo from the popular anime One Piece.
Teodoro warned that the repeated use of such imagery, also seen in rallies in Indonesia and Nepal, could signal a coordinated attempt to radicalize groups and instill fear among the public.
