About 40 tons of garbage, equivalent to 13 truckloads, were collected by the Manila Department of Public Services (DPS) following a 24-hour protest by members of the Iglesia ni Cristo at Liwasang Bonifacio in Ermita, officials said.

According to a report by DZRH News Reporter Tina Nolasco, DPS Director Kenneth Amurao said most of the waste gathered consisted of food leftovers and disposable meal containers used by rally participants.

The cleanup operation was conducted shortly after the demonstration ended, with city workers clearing the area to restore normal conditions at the historic public square.

Meanwhile, some of the discarded materials, including plastic bottles and cardboard, provided a source of income for street dwellers in the area.

In interviews with DZRH, several individuals said they were able to collect and sell plastic bottles for 18 pesos per kilogram, while cardboard fetched around 5 pesos per kilogram.

The protest drew thousands of participants and formed part of a three-day series of activities organized by the religious group, which also expressed support for Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, who is facing plunder charges filed by the Office of the Ombudsman.