HUMAN rights groups condemned the violent dispersal and mass arrests of protesters during the Sept. 21 anti-corruption rally in Manila, calling for accountability from police and government officials.
At least 216 people were arrested during the protest, including 91 minors, the youngest just nine years old, according to rights group Karapatan.
Lawyers from the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) are representing more than 20 detainees as inquests continue.
Among those arrested was Alvin Karingal, dubbed the “tusok-tusok boy,” whose mother, Nanay Mean, sells biscuits to cover his medical expenses.
Karapatan-NCR has launched a donation drive to support the so-called “Mendiola 216,” appealing for funds to cover food, medicine and legal aid.
Nobel laureate Amnesty International Philippines also weighed in, warning of “unnecessary and excessive use of force” by the Philippine National Police (PNP).
“The Philippine National Police must promptly and impartially investigate and hold accountable its officers suspected to be responsible for alleged human rights violations during the Sept. 21 protests,” said Jepie Papa, Amnesty’s acting director.
Papa added: “Amnesty International Philippines is deeply concerned that the PNP’s use of water cannons and tear gas against protesters who were simply exercising their right of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression did not observe policing principles of legality, necessity and proportionality.
”Rights groups alleged police also used firearms and improvised explosive devices, while denying detainees access to lawyers and their families.
“Some individuals detained, who come from the poorest areas in Metro Manila, do not have the legal resources to defend themselves, contributing to their vulnerability to cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment,” Papa said.
Amnesty urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure that law enforcement agencies respect the right to protest and hold officers accountable if found responsible for abuses.
The Commission on Human Rights said it is consolidating documentation for a possible probe.
