The protesters using a black flag with a skull on it, wearing a straw hat known as the Jolly Roger, joined the Luneta rally but broke off for confrontational actions, including clashes at Ayala Bridge, Mendiola, and Recto Avenue, where they torched vehicles, threw projectiles, and looted a motel. Over 200 were arrested, including at least 89 minors as young as 11.
This is the flag of the Straw Hat Pirates from the popular Japanese cartoon and comic series called One Piece. The main character of the show, Monkey D. Luffy, is the leader of this group.
The flag, with its symbol of the Straw Hat Pirates, has been adopted by some young protesters in the Philippines, Indonesia and Nepal as a symbol of resistance against injustice and authoritarianism, reflecting the crew's struggle against a corrupt "World Government" in the manga and anime series.
As of September 2025, the anime series One Piece on Netflix has more than 1,142 episodes. The series is still on-going.