Videos and witness accounts from the September 21 riots in Manila contradict government claims of police restraint, showing officers beating and dragging protesters and bystanders.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla insisted police exercised maximum tolerance and did not use tear gas, but multiple reports and footage show SWAT teams firing tear gas and using force with riot shields and arnis sticks.
A freelance photojournalist and student witnesses recounted violent police actions, including the dragging and assault of minors and media personnel.
Police arrested over 200 people, including 89 minors, some of whom were charged after prolonged detention.
Despite these accounts, Manila police have yet to respond to the allegations.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 25, 2025
