Escalation: Scenes at the Sept. 21 Mendiola-Recto riots

September 21, 2025 — Violence erupted in Mendiola and Recto, Manila, as young protesters clashed with policemen during anti-corruption rallies in the capital. Most demonstrators wore black shirts and masks, hurling rocks and bottles at authorities. They also set fire to the tyres of a trailer used as a barricade near a bridge leading to Malacañang Palace. Several protesters were arrested as riot police moved in to contain the unrest, which escalated hours after peaceful rallies at Luneta and EDSA. Video by Agence France Presse / Ron Lopez #MendiolaRiot #Sept21Protest #PhilippinesNews