Media Quote
Amnesty responding to reports of massive detention of ASEAN Summit protesters marching towards PICC, Section Director, Ritz Lee Santos, III said:
“The Philippine National Police is unravelling before our very eyes. Reports show that they are actively committing widespread violations against the right to protest and freedom of assembly, provoking protesters and indiscriminately targeting journalists, and with the ASEAN Summit just barely starting. This unnecessary and sometimes excessive use of force by the police against protesters exhibits the very systemic impunity that protesters are out in the streets for. PNP’s actions represent how the Marcos administration views resistance and dissent. The PNP’s reckless tactic is a clear attempt at intimidating, stifling and silencing more groups planning to join demonstrations during the summit.
This unnecessary and sometimes excessive use of force by the police against protesters exhibits the very systemic impunity that protesters are out in the streets for.
Ritz Lee Santos, III, Section Director
“Non-violent acts of civil disobedience, including protest marches that attempt to go beyond designated spaces or barricades, must not be forcibly or violently dispersed. The PNP must take steps to deescalate these attempts and practice restraint and strict adherence to international standards on the use of force, and only use force during dispersals as a last resort, in line with the principles of necessity and proportionality.
“Reports of arrests during the protests demand immediate scrutiny. Authorities must explain the specific grounds for each arrest and any continued detention. Anyone detained solely for peacefully exercising their rights must be released immediately. All those in custody must have prompt access to lawyers, their families, and any medical attention they need.
“Amnesty Philippines is calling for the immediate and unconditional release of reportedly 300 protesters detained solely for exercising their right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, including the nine individuals arrested at Liwasang Bonifacio who were part of the march towards PICC where the opening of the ASEAN Summit was being held.
“From unlawfully restricting protesters to certain spaces to attacks on journalists, today the PNP once again showed that nothing has changed about its attitude towards its obligation to serve and protect civilians. It continues to only serve the interest of the state and the powerful few.”
Background
During the opening of the ASEAN Summit being hosted by the Philippines in Manila on 15 November 2026, an encounter escalated between members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and protesters at Liwasang Bonifacio marching towards the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), nine individuals were reportedly arrested and arbitrarily detained. Meanwhile, massive detention of 300 protesters was also reported around a police blockade at Sucat Peoples’ Park in Parañaque City where protesters from Southern Luzon were also marching to join protests in Manila.