9 charged over SONA rallies

MANILA, Philippines — Nine of the 51 people arrested during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) protests in Quezon City on Monday have been charged with vandalism and resisting arrest.

The suspects underwent inquest proceedings yesterday before the Quezon City prosecutor’s office for vandalism, obstruction of justice, resistance and disobedience to a person in authority, tumults as well as malicious mischief.

Police made dozens of arrests after the protesters, wearing head coverings, vandalized the wall of Meralco’s Diliman substation.

Thirty other suspects were freed while authorities continue to conduct an investigation. Twelve protesters who turned out to be minors were released to their parents yesterday.

Prior to their release, the minors underwent medico-legal examination at the Quezon City General Hospital and profiling by the local Social Services Development Department.

The Metro Manila police earlier said it is examining whether the suspects had ties with the groups behind the mayhem during the anti-corruption rally on Sept. 21, 2025.

Quezon City police director Brig. Gen. Randy Silvio defended the actions of his men, saying they maintained peace and order while upholding the rallyists’ freedom of expression.

“Our police personnel acted in response to unlawful acts they witnessed on the ground,” Silvio said in a statement.

The protesters were taken into police custody following acts of vandalism and their alleged resistance to police intervention, he said.

“While we respect every person’s constitutional right to peacefully assemble and express their views, such rights must always be exercised within the bounds of the law,” Silvio said.