Karapatan Appeals for Bail Funds Following Mass Arrests in Manila Anti-Corruption Protests

Karapatan Deputy Secretary General Sol Taule has called on the public to contribute toward the bail of protesters detained during the anti-corruption rallies held on September 21. According to Taule, the arrested individuals face several charges, including direct assault, violations of Batas Pambansa 880 (The Public Assembly Act of 1985), resisting arrest, illegal assembly, and tumults and other disturbances. Each detainee is expected to post a bail amounting to at least P30,000. Authorities report that a total of 216 protesters were apprehended during the demonstrations in Manila, with the city government confirming that 192 of them are currently facing formal complaints. The list of those arrested includes minors. The detentions followed violent encounters between protesters and police officers after unrest broke out amid the demonstrations in the capital.