Violence Erupts in Manila Amid Anti-Corruption Protest

Manila, Philippines — A protest over alleged government corruption erupted into violence on Sunday night, September 21, when demonstrators set fire to the entrance of Hotel Sogo in downtown Manila, badly damaging the building.

Witnesses broadcasting on Facebook Live claimed a police officer fired his gun inside the hotel, enraging the crowd. Protesters reportedly chased the officer, looted parts of the property, and torched his motorcycle. Videos of the incident quickly spread across social media. Hotel Sogo has not yet released a statement.

Police later secured the site, placing the building on lockdown while launching an investigation.

Government Reaction

The presidential palace, Malacañang, condemned the violence. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro suggested the unrest was orchestrated to destabilize President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration, citing the discovery of Molotov cocktails and stockpiles of stones.

“As a lawyer, the question is: why bring Molotov bombs, why carry that many rocks? Clearly, there was motive,” Castro said in a televised interview. She noted the clashes erupted near Mendiola, close to the presidential compound, and argued this was a sign of intent to oust the president.

Peaceful vs. Violent Protesters

Castro drew a line between demonstrators calling for reform and agitators she accused of exploiting younger participants.“These young people were used. Others may call for reform, but there were those who wanted to exploit them for a different agenda,” she said.

Police Response

According to Castro, the palace was “satisfied” with the police response, saying officers showed maximum tolerance while still arresting rioters. “The rioters did not succeed in what they set out to do,” she added.

Background

The protests were fueled by anger over allegedly fraudulent flood control projects. Castro emphasized that President Marcos had ordered an investigation into the issue, contrasting him with previous leaders who, she said, ignored similar “ghost projects.”

“The President opened this investigation because he was dismayed by the findings. Without his directive, such a probe would not exist,” she said.