Anxious Filipino parents queued outside Manila’s police headquarters on Monday as authorities detained more than 200 people, including dozens of children, following weekend anti-corruption protests that turned violent.
Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno confirmed that a 12-year-old boy was the youngest detainee. One mother, Michelle Blanco, said her 13-year-old son Zoren had merely been watching when police “scooped him off the street”.
Another parent, Elsie Santos, said her 27-year-old son Reden, who has a speech impediment, risked being misunderstood in custody. “No one is explaining anything to us,” she told AFP.
Youth groups staged protests outside the Manila Police District to demand the release of those arrested.
Tens of thousands marched in Manila on Sunday against alleged “ghost” flood-control projects said to have drained billions of pesos from public coffers. While most demonstrations remained peaceful, clashes later broke out, with police vehicles torched and a precinct’s windows smashed.
Police reported 93 officers injured, while hospitals treated at least 50 civilians. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla defended security forces, insisting they exercised “maximum tolerance” and did not use firearms or tear gas.
The Department of Finance estimates corruption in flood projects cost the economy ₱118.5 billion ($2 billion) between 2023 and 2025, though Greenpeace claims the true figure may be nearer $18 billion.