MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered police to exercise “maximum tolerance” in dealing with anti-corruption protests that turned violent near Malacañang on Sunday.

“Maximum tolerance. Walang dapat masaktan (No one should get hurt),” Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said in a television interview, citing the President’s directive. Remulla was in Mendiola, where rallyists clashed with authorities and several protesters were arrested.

In a separate statement released by the Presidential Communications Office, Remulla stressed that while police will protect citizens’ right to peaceably assemble, they will not tolerate violence.

Earlier in the day, violence also broke out at Ayala Bridge, where protesters in ski masks and balaclavas hurled rocks and bottles and set a police motorcycle ablaze. Police raised riot shields to block debris and urged demonstrators to remain calm.

Authorities reported no serious injuries, though several officers were splashed with a foul-smelling liquid. An explosion of unknown origin was also heard as firefighters extinguished burning debris while some rallyists fled the scene. (PNA)