Philippines: Excessive use of force against protesters must be investigated

24 September 2025

Responding to reports of the PNP's violent dispersal of protesters during the anti-corruption rally in Manila on 21 September, Amnesty International Philippines Acting Director Jepie Papa said:

"The Philippine National Police (PNP) must promptly and impartially investigate and hold accountable its officers suspected to be responsible for alleged human rights violations during the 21 September protests against corruption conducted by various civil society groups in the Philippines.

"These allegations include unnecessary and excessive use of force by the police, arbitrary arrests including of children, and denial of arrested individuals' access to lawyers and their families. Reports from human rights groups and lawyers assisting those arrested say more than 200 individuals were arrested and detained, including children such as one as young as 9 years old.

"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."

"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. Amnesty International Philippines is further concerned about allegations of the police's use of firearms and improvised explosive devices against protesters.

"MPD Chief Arnold Abad, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) must ensure that the arrest and detention of individuals comply with due process, judicial safeguards and other relevant national and international human rights law and standards.

"These standards include but are not limited to the right to a free and fair trial, the right to be informed of the reasons for arrest and the place of detention, and access both to legal counsel and to their family. 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 and other violations.

"Victims of unlawful police use of force, including those who have been injured and family members of those who have been illegally detained and arrested, must receive full reparations from the Philippine government."

"Amnesty International Philippines urges President Marcos Jr. to make sure that law enforcement agencies respect the Filipino people's right to protest, freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Law enforcers alleged to have committed violations must be investigated and held to account in fair trials if found responsible.

"Victims of unlawful police use of force, including those who have been injured and family members of those who have been illegally detained and arrested, must receive full reparations from the Philippine government."

Background

On 21 September 2025, more than 200 individuals were arrested and detained by the Manila Police District during the protests against corruption involving flood control projects. Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, and Malacañang Palace were quick to condemn the violence allegedly committed by protesters, following reports by the media of police use of unlawful force. They did not, however, condemn the use of unlawful force by the police against protesters. CHR also released a statement saying that it continues to consolidate its documentation on the reported incidents for a possible probe.

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