Over 200 arrested in Manila anti-corruption protests

(Web Desk): Police in the Philippine capital, Manila, arrested over 200 people during clashes that broke out amid anti-corruption protests on Sunday. While most of the demonstrations remained peaceful, some masked youths clashed with police at various locations.

According to AFP, police spokespersons said on Monday that 88 of those arrested were minors, including a 12-year-old boy.

Thousands of Filipinos gathered in Manila to protest a massive corruption scandal involving fake flood control projects, through which billions of dollars were allegedly embezzled from the public treasury. Several members of parliament have been implicated, and the heads of both legislative chambers have resigned during the investigations.

The protests, which included citizens, religious leaders, activists, and politicians, took a violent turn in some areas, with reports of stone-throwing, police vehicles set on fire, and windows smashed at a police headquarters. These incidents overshadowed the otherwise peaceful nature of the demonstrations. Police used water cannons and loud sirens to disperse the crowds.

Authorities stated that it is still unclear whether those involved in the violence were part of the protest groups or belonged to separate factions. The Department of Health reported that around 50 people were taken to hospitals due to injuries, while 93 police officers were also wounded.

The issue gained national attention after President Ferdinand Marcos highlighted the "ghost infrastructure" scandal in his July address.

According to the Philippine Department of Finance, corruption cost the economy around ₱118.5 billion (approx. USD 2 billion) between 2023 and 2025. However, Greenpeace estimates the real loss could be much higher—up to USD 18 billion.

The situation is especially alarming as Super Typhoon Ragasa approaches the northern provinces of the country, raising fears of severe flooding. The Philippines, being an archipelago, is struck by an average of 20 typhoons and tropical storms each year, leaving millions vulnerable to poverty and natural disasters.