PNP stands firm on arrest of Sept. 21 protesters

Youth protesters clash with anti-riot police at Mendiola in Manila during an anti-corruption rally marking the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law on Sunday, September 21, 2025. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/FileMANILA — The Philippine National Police is standing by its decision to file criminal charges against eight individuals accused of assaulting police officers during the September 21 protests last year, despite a Manila court’s reported decision to quash the cases for insufficient evidence.

PNP Public Information Office chief PBGen. Allen Rae Co said the police respect the court’s decision but maintained that the filing of charges was justified based on the circumstances at the time.

Co acknowledged, however, that authorities may have failed to establish that the eight individuals arrested were the ones who actually committed the alleged acts.

“If I understood correctly, we were not just able to prove na ‘yung mismong mga tao na naaresto, sila ang gumawa. So it doesn’t mean na unjustified ‘yung pag-file natin ng case,” Co said.

He added that the PNP would review its procedures, particularly in filing cases against individuals arrested during protests.

Co stressed that the police do not intend to suppress the public’s freedom of expression, but said authorities would intervene when peaceful assemblies turn violent.

“This is not a suppression of freedom of expression. Sabi nga natin, kapag natigil ‘yung peaceful exercise of that right, we’ll have to act,” he said.

Asked whether the PNP would also arrest individuals who may cause trouble during the ASEAN Summit, Co said police officers also need protection from violence.

“Alam ninyo, tao rin ang ating kapulisan. Nasasaktan at dumudugo. Nasugatan ay dumudugo rin, so we also have to protect our personnel,” he said.

Meanwhile, Co said the PNP has put in place security measures for the ASEAN Summit, with the Presidential Security Command (PSC) taking the lead in protecting heads of state.

The PNP will support the PSC, while police personnel will primarily secure public infrastructure, installations and roads.

Co said the police have also anticipated increased travel during the summit, as some Filipinos may take advantage of the holidays to leave Metro Manila.

Personnel have been deployed to transport hubs, while police will continue patrolling residential areas to prevent criminal activities.

He said that the summit-related security deployment will not affect the PNP’s regular police operations.