For immediate release: KARAPATAN on the September 21 protests
KARAPATAN Public Information
On the September 21, 2025 protests
KARAPATAN hails the successful nationwide and global protest actions on September 21, 2025, indicating the high level of public outrage of Filipinos against massive bureaucratic corruption involving high-ranking government officials.
These protests, conducted during the 53rd anniversary of Marcos Sr.’s imposition of martial law, highlighted the people’s disgust at the persistent plunder of nation’s coffers by bureaucrat capitalists, the fascist attacks against the people and the de facto martial law in the countryside, and the puppetry of those in power to US and other foreign interests - the very same realities during Marcos Sr.’s dictatorial rule, which are now in full display during Marcos Jr.’s presidency.
The State violence and harassment inflicted by the Philippine National Police yesterday can likewise be likened to the kind of disproportionate and excessive force employed by Marcos Sr. in quelling street protests during martial law. We unequivocally condemn the brutal acts of the police, which resulted in dire injuries sustained by and imprisonment of at least 70 youth protesters. Their rights to counsel, to communicate with their families and human rights organizations, and to emergency medical treatment, among others, should be respected at all times.
Many were apparently picked up simply because they were wearing sandos, shorts and slippers. Their parents and even lawyers who have not been allowed into the police station to see them are worried because of reports that many of those arrested have been injured and are in need of medical attention.
At the same time, these protests should not be used by Malacañang as pretexts for suppressing the people’s demand for transparency, accountability and an end to systemic corruption. The protests are clear manifestations of the masses’ intense anger at their plight vis a vis the scandalous displays of ill-gotten wealth by those involved in corruption, and their dissatisfaction or even suspicion over the steps taken by the Marcos Jr. regime against it.
Reference: Atty. Maria Sol Taule, Deputy Secretary General, 09452966916
KARAPATAN Public Information Desk, 09189790580
PUBLIC INFORMATION DESK
publi...@karapatan.org
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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.