KARAPATAN vehemently condemns the filing of formal charges against at least ten (10) individuals who were illegally arrested and detained during the September 21 anti-corruption protest in Manila.
During the inquest proceedings on September 22 and 23, 2025, the Philippine National Police filed complaints on alleged violations of the Revised Penal Code and the Batas Pambansa 880 or the Public Assembly Act against the arrested individuals. This includes particular provisions in the Revised Penal Code regarding Article 151 (Resistance and disobedience to a person in authority), Article 153 (Tumults and other disturbances of public order), Article 146 (Illegal Assembly), Article 148 (Direct Assault), and Article 320 (Arson).
The investigating prosecutor issued a resolution charging several individuals with violation of Article 153 (Tumults and other disturbances of public order). They were released after posting bail and are now undergoing trial. However, some cases filed were referred for further investigation for lack of evidence, but the arrested individuals were required to submit their respective counter affidavits to undergo the regular preliminary investigation and determine if there is probable cause to hold them for trial.
Yesterday, October 29, the investigating prosecutor issued a resolution indicting 10 out of the 12 arrested individuals detained at the Police Station 2 (Moriones Station) for violation of Article 153 (Tumults and other disturbances of public order), and were ordered to post bail in the amount of Php 2,000.00.
Others who were detained at the Manila Police District, Police Stations 3, 11, 12 and 13 are still awaiting the resolution of their cases.
KARAPATAN calls for the immediate dismissal of these cases, as these are clearly done by the police and the Marcos government to silence dissent amid the growing clamor for accountability and system change in relation to the massive corruption in the government. No amount of fascism will pacify the outrage of the people. We reiterate our call to hold corrupt officials and perpetrators of illegal arrest, torture and killing of more than 200 individuals last September 21.
