ADVISORY for APRIL 17: KARAPATAN holds indignation vs wave of arrests of activists, urban poor, amid economic crisis

[KARAPATAN Public Information]

MEDIA ADVISORY

For April 17, 2026

KARAPATAN holds indignation vs wave of arrests of activists, urban poor, amid economic crisis

APRIL 17, 2026

10:00 AM

Infront of DILG-NAPOLCOM Center

EDSA corner Quezon Avenue, Quezon City

Human rights alliance KARAPATAN will hold a protest action on April 17, 2026 (Friday), 10:00 AM to condemn the intensifying wave of arrests, demolitions, and anti-poor policies being implemented amid the deepening crisis.

The protest will highlight recent cases of repression, including:

- the arrest of Panay activist Josephine Porquia

- the arrests of Dr. Ana Marie Rilloraza and Marc Mendiola, and five others in Tarlac

- the arrest of cultural worker Charlize Garzon in Mindoro

- the mass arrests of urban poor in communities under the 

"Safer Cities" initiative of the DILG

- the arrests of persons in the demolition at NIA Road in QC, Panday Creek in Taguig, and other demolition incidents in the Metro and other city centers

KARAPATAN asserts that these incidents are part of a broader pattern of state repression disproportionately affecting urban poor communities and community organizers. The group also denounces ongoing demolition drives that displace families without adequate relocation, alongside policies that criminalize poverty under the guise of “public order” and “urban development.”

Media coverage is requested. 

Reference: KARAPATAN Public Information Desk, 09189790580

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PUBLIC INFORMATION DESK
publi...@karapatan.org
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2nd Flr. Erythrina Bldg.,
#1 Maaralin corner Matatag Sts., Central District

Diliman, Quezon City, PHILIPPINES 1101

Telefax: (+63 2) 7090 8183

Web: http://www.karapatan.org

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.