Groups ask CHR to investigate police violence, arbitrary arrests during People’s SONA and recent protests
KARAPATAN Public Information
PRESS RELEASE
31 July 2026
Reference: Mong Palatino, Bayan secretary-general, 09257886664
KARAPATAN Public Information Desk, 09189790580
Groups ask CHR to investigate police violence,
arbitrary arrests during People’s SONA and recent protests
Human rights and people's organizations have formally called on the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to conduct an independent investigation into the Philippine National Police's escalating attacks on peaceful protests, particularly the violent and illegal arrests during the People's SONA on July 27.
In a letter submitted to the CHR, the groups documented a pattern of police violence, arbitrary arrests, harassment, and intimidation of protesters and journalists in recent mobilizations, including the July 6 and July 22 protests in Pasay City and the anti-corruption protests since September 2025.
“The Philippine National Police’s escalating attacks on peaceful assemblies, including the violent and illegal arrests during the People’s SONA on July 27, warrant an independent investigation by the Commission on Human Rights,” said Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) Secretary General Mong Palatino.
Central to the complaint is the illegal arrest of 51 young artists and activists, including minors, during the People's SONA on July 27. The groups also raised allegations that detainees were subjected to coercive interrogations without legal counsel, amounting to psychological torture under the Anti-Torture Act.
“The illegal arrest of 51 young artists and activists, including minors, as well as the reported coercive interrogations of detainees without legal counsel, must be investigated as possible violations of their rights, including psychological torture under the Anti-Torture Act,” said Atty. Sol Taule of Karapatan.
The letter further cited incidents of harassment against protesters travelling to the People's SONA, arbitrary arrests of individuals wearing black, threats against demonstrators, restrictions on the agreed protest site, attempts to arrest journalists, and reported signal jamming that disrupted communications during the mobilization.
“We urge the CHR to investigate these incidents, assist the victims, and hold accountable law enforcement officers responsible for violations of the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful protest, and association,” Taule said.
They likewise called on the CHR to remind the Philippine government of its obligations under domestic and international human rights law, end the criminalization of dissent, and press for the repeal of Batas Pambansa Blg. 880, which they said continues to be used to suppress peaceful protests.
The letter was signed by leaders of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN), Karapatan, the National Union of People's Lawyers (NUPL), Sandugo, HipHop United against Corruption, and Alyansa Laban sa Korupsyon at Brutalidad ng Pulis (AKAB).
Please see attached copy of the letter submitted to the CHR.
Photo credit to BAYAN
PUBLIC INFORMATION DESK
publi...@karapatan.org
---------------------------------------------------------------------
#1 Maaralin corner Matatag Sts., Central District
KARAPATAN is an alliance of human rights organizations and programs, human rights desks and committees of people’s organizations, and individual advocates committed to the defense and promotion of people’s rights and civil liberties. It monitors and documents cases of human rights violations, assists and defends victims and conducts education, training and campaign. It was established in 1995.
