51 arrested at SONA protest in Manila
The Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested 51 individuals along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City. The arrests occurred on Monday, July 27, 2026, during protests ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
The Police Allegations
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stated that the protesters were caught in the act of violating specific laws and local ordinances. The charges include:
- Vandalism: Apprehended for spray-painting words like “sindikato” and “corruption” on the walls of an electric utility building.
- Face-Covering Violations: Violating local ordinances that prohibit wearing balaclavas, masks, or bonnets to conceal identity during public assemblies.
- Statute Violations: Alleged breaches of Republic Act No. 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act) and Batas Pambansa Blg. 880 (Public Assembly Act).
Who Was Arrested
The majority of those detained belong to local street-art, hip-hop, and progressive youth groups, including Vandals United, Hiphop United Against Corruption, Skateboarding United, and Defend the Hood. According to a statement released by Vandals United, the detainees include:
- 13 minors.
- 3 paralegals.
- Vitrum, a prominent local hip-hop artist and activist.
Progressive Groups React
The progressive umbrella organization Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) strongly condemned the actions of the police, claiming that law enforcement deliberately infiltrated and targeted the youth groups. BAYAN and Vandals United have demanded the immediate release of all 51 detainees, arguing that the arrests are an attempt to suppress peaceful dissent during the “People’s SONA”.
The PNP has stated that appropriate criminal charges are being processed, and the deployment of over 21,000 police personnel remains active to secure the rest of the SONA events.
