A 15-year-old boy from Taguig was confirmed dead after being stabbed in the middle of the anti-corruption rally at Mendiola on September 21, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Domagoso announced in a press briefing.
The victim was attacked at the corner of Recto Avenue and Quezon Boulevard by 52-year-old watch repairman Richard Francisco, who later turned himself in with the help of his son. Authorities said CCTV footage identified Francisco as the suspect.
Amid online accusations of police brutality, Domagoso stressed that law enforcers were not behind the incident. “It turned out it’s an ordinary citizen trying to protect his property and afraid of his life, caught in the middle of a chaotic and unruly riot. It wasn’t a police… The citizens have the right to protect himself, his home, and his family,” the mayor said.
Francisco claimed that a group of young protesters had attempted to vandalize nearby shops and knocked over his motorcycle. In his statement, he admitted stabbing the boy once in anger using a case knife. “When they arrived at the terminal and passed by my store stand, (the victim) knocked over the motorcycle. I became so angry and everything went blurry not to mention there were so many of them. Well, I poked him (with my knife). I was really shocked afterward. It wasn’t on purpose,” he recounted in Filipino.
Domagoso also called on young people to avoid reckless participation in violent demonstrations. “Children, your parents will never think anything bad for you. Listen. That’s why I’m calling on you, don’t be hasty, don’t waste your life, don’t waste your future. Listen to your parents,” he urged.
The September 21 rally spiraled into chaos, with protesters reportedly setting fire to a truck and hurling rocks at police. Over 200 individuals were arrested, including around 90 minors. Authorities said inquest proceedings for those detained remain underway.
