Tensions quickly rose as masked protesters continued to throw smoke grenades, among other objects, along Mendiola.

RH Jecelle Ricafort reported on Sunday, September 21, that minutes after the dispersal of the program held along Mendiola, some protesters began throwing things at police authorities. Although law enforcement began water bombing demonstrators, Ricafort reported that some protesters fought back.

Based on the report, the groups involved in the said incident are still unidentified. However, some groups are calling out others, asking for them to refrain from repeating the incident along Ayala Bridge.

Despite this, Ricafort said that the Philippine National Police (PNP) continues to observe maximum tolerance, as per the directive of their regional director.

In a follow-up report, Ricafort said that some ralliysts had moved forward and removed the police barricade.

Demonstrators continued to throw objects at law enforcement, with some throwing smoke grenades and bottles filled with water. One guy stood in front, holding a sign with the words “Never forget, Never again” written, a phrase often associated with the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s declaration of martial law.

As tensions continue to rise, police personnel began to move forward and go after protesters. Personnel from the Manila Police District (MPD) SWAT were also reportedly on the scene.

Meanwhile, a vendor cried along the streets of Mendiola after her son was mistakenly nabbed by the police. According to the vendor, she and her 15-year-old son were selling squid at the said location when the police mistook the boy for one of the protesters.

The woman claimed that the police headlocked the 15-year-old. The latter was eventually let go and is about to receive first aid.

The reporter has yet to get a statement from the law enforcement present at the scene.