By Noriko Yamamoto

Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, together with the representatives from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Philippine National Police (PNP), conducted a press briefing with the Malacañang Press Corps (MPC) on Monday, September 22, regarding the nationwide protests “Baha sa Luneta” and “Trillion Peso March,” held a day before.

“Mananagot ang lahat ng sangkot,” Castro said, emphasizing that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. stands with the people protesting against corruption and wants those involved in violence during the rallies to be held accountable.

According to DILG Sec. Jonvic Remulla, Marcos monitored the protest developments from a secured facility and ordered the officers to exercise maximum tolerance.

He explained that the 4,000 officers deployed in Mendiola and Legarda were unarmed except for the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, and that no tear gas was used. 

The protests subsided around 5:30 p.m., with 216 arrests: 127 adults, 65 children in conflict with the law (ages 15–17), and 24 children at risk (under 14). 

Remulla also reported that 95 PNP personnel were wounded, but emphasized that there were no casualties among protesters, dismissing social media claims of death.

Moreover, detainees are being processed at Manila Police District (MPD) stations, while the minors are interviewed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to determine if they will face trial as adults.

Meanwhile, PNP Chief Gen. Jose Nartatez Jr. reported that about 50,000 officers were deployed nationwide, half in Metro Manila.

Nartatez described the rallies, which drew 84,000 participants, as generally peaceful except for the isolated incidents in Ayala Bridge and Mendiola due to “terrorists.”

Remulla stated that the DICT is tracing website operators who allegedly incited violence, including calls to “burn the Palace,” warning possible charges of arson, grave physical injuries, and sedition.

Nartatez added that authorities are evaluating whether violators can be charged under the anti-terrorism law. 

Remulla also revealed intelligence reports of a bomb threat, prompting 400 plainclothes officers to secure Luneta and the People Power Monument during the rallies.

Furthermore, DICT Sec. Henry Aguda stated that a person of interest for online incitement has been identified in the Philippines, and said disinformation campaigns during the rallies are linked to the activist group “Anonymous PH.”

He confirmed that 19 government websites were defaced during the rallies but were promptly restored, with most cases affecting Local Government Units (LGUs) and only four involving national agencies.

Aguda added that three foreign telecommunications firms are eyeing entry under the Konektadong Pinoy Law, set for release in the first week of October.

In the same briefing, Castro addressed former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson’s call for a “revolution against corruption,” saying that it will be investigated for possible sedition.

Additionally, she stated that Marcos is monitoring Super Typhoon Nando while ordering preemptive evacuations and confirmed that the President plans to visit the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

Castro then closed the press briefing by stating that the President is open for investigation over alleged campaign contributions and “will not excuse himself.”