216 People Arrested After Riot Anti-Corruption Demo In Manila, Including 12-Year-Old Boy

Illustrations of riots broke out in the midst of mass demonstrations. (Unsplash-Damien Checourse)

JAKARTA - Police arrested more than 200 people in clashes between anti-corruption demonstrators and officers who erupted in the Philippine capital Manila.

At least 88 minors were among the 216 detained when police fired water cannon and sirens deafening back at stone throws from protesters.

"So far, none of them have disclosed the reasons behind their actions or whether anyone paid them to do so," local police spokesman Majorbola Asilo told AFP.

"Once we find out their affiliation, we can find out if they are part of the protesters or just making a fuss," he added.

Separately, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno said the 12-year-old boy was the youngest detained by the authorities.

Thousands of Filipinos rallied in Manila last Sunday to vent their anger over the alleged corruption scandal that is growing over a number of flood control projects estimated to cost the country billions of US dollars.

The scandal in the Philippines involved many lawmakers and leaders from the two congressional assemblies resigning from their posts during the investigation.

As a result of the demonstration that led to mass clashes with the authorities yesterday, a number of police vehicles were burned and police station windows were damaged.