Lawyers Demand Dismissal and Release of Protesters Detained During September 21 Anti-Corruption Rallies

The National Union of Peoples Lawyers (NUPL), alongside the Public Interest Law Center and Sentro para sa Tunay na Repormang Agraryo (SENTRA), has formally petitioned the Manila City Prosecutors’ Office to dismiss charges and expedite the release of those apprehended during extensive anti-corruption demonstrations on September 21.

In an urgent motion, the legal groups highlighted that numerous arrests were made without warrants and that the detainees were held beyond the permissible duration outlined in Article 125 of the Revised Penal Code. They further noted that the complaints filed lack sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case capable of ensuring conviction.

"Significantly, many of those detained were children and minors, including bystanders, who should never have been subjected to imprisonment," the motion stated, emphasizing the absence of justification for their continued custody.

The petitioners urged authorities for the immediate release of all detainees and called for accountability regarding the unlawful arrests and ongoing human rights violations.

Reports indicate that at least 216 individuals were detained in connection with the protests, among them 91 minors, the youngest being nine years old. The detainees are currently held across multiple facilities, including the Manila Police District Headquarters and various police stations throughout the city.

Most detainees reportedly lack affiliations with any organizations and come from impoverished backgrounds, many participating peacefully or merely observing the protests sparked by widespread outrage over corruption.

The petitioners denounced the arrests as serious breaches of constitutional rights, involving illegal detention, physical abuse, and instances of torture. They argued that no lawful exception exists to justify the warrantless detentions, thereby deeming the police operations unconstitutional.

In a positive development, the NUPL confirmed receipt of orders from the Manila City Prosecutors’ Office for the release of detainees who underwent inquest procedures on September 23. Legal representatives from NUPL are currently at detention sites assisting those eligible for release.

However, the NUPL cautioned that the majority of the arrested individuals remain in custody and reiterated its urgent demand for the liberation of all protesters detained since September 21.

Separately, Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso announced the release of 48 minors arrested during the protests. These children in conflict with the law (CICL) are set to participate in diversion programs mandated by Republic Act 9344, also known as the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, as amended by RA 10630.

Under these programs, CICL participants undergo community-based interventions aimed at restorative justice, rather than incarceration.

This coordinated legal and governmental response indicates a move toward addressing concerns over rights violations during the anti-corruption demonstrations.