Youth participation in violent protest involves nat’l security

VIOLENT PROTEST. A motorcycle is set on fire as violence mars an otherwise peaceful nationwide anti-corruption rally at the foot of Ayala Bridge in Manila on Sunday (Sept. 21, 2025). Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Monday (Sept. 22) said the involvement of youngsters in such violence should be looked into. (PNA photo by Avito Dalan)

By Priam Nepomuceno, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Monday expressed concern over the involvement of the youth in the violence that marred some of the anti-corruption rallies in Manila.

In a radio interview, Teodoro said the involvement of the youth in Sunday’s violent protest is a “national security issue” that needs to be addressed immediately.

“Ito po ay isang issue ng national security kung ganoon pa po ang kabataan, kung saan nila napupulot ito. Ito’y dapat tumbukin kaagad at maremedyohan (These youths and what inspired them is a national security issue and we must get to the bottom of this immediately),” he said.

Teodoro said there were unvalidated reports that illegal drugs played a role in the “hooliganism” in the rallies on Chino Roces (Mendiola) Bridge and along Ayala Bridge.

He also said the use of black flags with skull markings should be looked into to determine the possible involvement of unknown groups or persons in influencing the protesters to resort to violence.

“Iyan ho ang kailangang nating tumbukin. Kung sino ang nag-iimpluwensya at nag-eenganyo or nagbibigay ng pinagbabawal na gamot dito po sa ating mga kabataan na ito. Iyan po ang dapat patawan ng malaking krimen na talaga, patawan ng malaking parusa (We need to determine who influenced or encouraged or gave illegal drugs to these youngsters, and punish them severely),” Teodoro said.