51 arrested at SONA protest over alleged face-covering, vandalism violations

MANILA, Philippines — Fifty-one individuals were arrested during a protest along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 27.

Police said they allegedly violated local ordinances on face coverings, ecological solid waste management and vandalism.

Most of those arrested were members of Vandals United, Hiphop United Against Corruption, Skaters United and Defend the Hood, local progressive groups composed of street and hip-hop artists.

Vandals United said in a statement that those arrested included three paralegals and 13 minors. Local hip-hop artist and activist Vitrum was also arrested.

Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said in an interview that the individuals allegedly violated Republic Act No. 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, Presidential Decree No. 880, or the Public Assembly Act of 1985, and local ordinances prohibiting the covering of faces.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) condemned the arrests, alleging that the police deliberately targeted youth protesters from Vandals United.

“Ang dapat na inaaresto ‘yung mga kurakot, ‘yung mga kontraktor, ‘yung mga nagtatago sa batas tulad ni Bato dela Rosa. Hindi ‘yung mga nandito sa People’s SONA,” BAYAN Secretary-General Raymund Palatino said.

(They should arrest the corrupt, the contractors, those who are hiding from the law like Bato dela Rosa. Not those who are here in the People’s SONA.)

The People’s SONA is organized every year by progressive groups alongside the President's annual SONA to amplify grassroots issues.

BAYAN and Vandals United called for the release of those arrested.