Mendiola Street in Manila has been the site of numerous protests throughout Philippine history, often serving as a flashpoint for clashes between demonstrators and authorities due to its proximity to Malacañang Palace, the official residence of the president.
A recent incident involved a violent anti-corruption protest where minors were among those arrested. While many of the protests that day were peaceful, a separate group of masked individuals reportedly instigated violence, throwing rocks and Molotov cocktails at police and damaging property.
According to government and police reports, 89 minors were arrested during the riot. In response, lawyers and human rights groups have stepped in to provide legal assistance to the minors, many of whom were reportedly just bystanders who got caught in the crossfire. The story highlights the complex issues of political unrest, the role of youth in protests, and the legal and ethical questions that arise when minors are involved in such events.
