Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said violent protesters in Mendiola whom he branded as “terrorists,” could face charges including arson and sedition.
Remulla reported that police arrested 216 individuals, including 89 minors—65 aged 15–17 and 24 aged 14 and below.
While rallies nationwide were mostly peaceful, clashes erupted in Mendiola where protesters allegedly planned to burn Malacañan Palace.
“Iyong statement lang nila na, ‘Gusto namin sunugin iyong Palasyo’ is a seditious act in itself,” Remulla said.
He added that some minors admitted their intent to commit arson, and a rally speaker even urged participants to bring lighters for molotovs.
The DILG chief also confirmed receiving intelligence reports of a planned attack, but President Bongbong Marcos still ordered the police to observe maximum tolerance. Despite this, 95 PNP personnel were injured, some seriously.
Authorities are now building cases against the suspects and investigating possible instigators.IMT
