MANILA (UPDATED) — Black-clad and masked people, initially identified as protesters, figured in a confrontation with police at the Ayala Bridge on Sunday afternoon.
Initial videos of the incident showed figures in black kicking at a wall of police riot shields on the Ayala Bridge.
Another video showed other supposed protesters on the back of a truck waving the Philippine flag and the Straw Hat Pirates' Jolly Roger from Japanese manga "One Piece" as others set the truck's tires on fire.
The group's identity and motive remain unclear.
POLICE ARREST 17
In a statement, the Philippine National Police said the Manila Police District has apprehended 17 people after "incidents of stone-throwing and a trailer truck being set on fire" at Ayala corner Romualdez in Manila, where "300-400 individuals had gathered."
It said complaints are being prepared against the 17.
The PNP said it "[respects] the public’s right to peaceful assembly, but we strongly appeal to everyone to remain calm and refrain from violence."
The chaos unfolded as thousands gathered across Metro Manila, primarily at the People Power Monument along EDSA and at Rizal Park in Manila, to protest alleged corruption in government flood-control projects.
The Philippine National Police has deployed 50,000 personnel across the capital to maintain peace and order during the demonstrations.
An initial DZMM Teleradyo report citing police said some involved in the scuffle were minors.
Some of the supposed protesters arrested had minor injuries, as did some of the police officers they clashed with.
Police vehicles were also reportedly damaged in the incident.
This is a developing story