Philippine Police Arrest Dozens Amid Widespread Anti-Corruption Protests in Manila

Thousands of Filipinos staged large peaceful protests across Manila against a major corruption scandal involving flood-control projects, which allegedly siphoned billions of pesos from funds meant to protect poor, flood-prone communities. During the demonstrations, a smaller group of about 100 individuals dressed in black and masked engaged in violent acts near the presidential palace, including throwing rocks, setting fire to tires on barricade trucks, and vandalizing property, leading to a security lockdown around Malacañang Palace. Philippine police arrested between 17 and 49 people involved in the clashes, while authorities emphasized that peaceful assembly is respected but violence and vandalism will not be tolerated. The unrest prompted police to use tear gas to disperse some protesters who sprayed graffiti and waved anti-corruption flags near the palace. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has acknowledged significant irregularities in over 9,800 flood-control projects worth $9.5 billion, resulting in the resignation of his public works secretary and other legislative leaders. The Catholic Bishops' Conference called for calm and accountability, with protesters expressing frustration over poverty and corruption benefiting officials and contractors at the public's expense.