Amnesty International slams police over torture allegations as tensions rise with the approach of the 'Trillion Peso March'
Following reports of beatings, torture, and abuse, including against minors, Amnesty International accused the Philippine police of using "unnecessary and excessive force" during anti-corruption protests on 21 September in Manila. The authorities have taken special security measures ahead of another mass rally on 30 November. Fears are growing of more violence and a possible pre-emptive crackdown.
Manila (AsiaNews) – The Philippine police are guilty of serious human rights violations during anti-corruption demonstrations on 21 September in Manila, this according to Amnesty International, which accuses law enforcement of using "unnecessary and excessive force," which in some cases amounted to torture.
At present, tensions are building further across the country, particularly in the capital, ahead of protests scheduled for 30 November, which could be the largest in a decade.
The human rights organisation cited the ten witnesses, including some minors, who described the beatings, violence, and mistreatment they suffered during and after their arrests.
Amnesty slammed the police for attacking peaceful protesters and bystanders alike, regardless of their involvement in the clashes that broke out during the protests.
A 20-year-old witness, Rey, said that he was attacked by men in plainclothes while holding a sign, before he was handed over to the police (in this case in uniform), who punched, kicked, and beat him with batons until he lost consciousness. The beating continued even inside an ambulance until the officers noticed the arrival of the media.
Similar incidents were reported by other protesters and bystanders, such as Omar, 25, who was arrested while looking at the demonstrations from a distance, and three young workers, aged 17, 18, and 19, who were stopped while returning to the construction site where they were employed.
Several witnesses mentioned a "blue tent" on Mendiola Street, used as a makeshift detention point, where, according to those interviewed, officers continued to beat and kick detainees with batons.
According to lawyer Maria Sol Taule, who represents some of those arrested, many detainees had obvious injuries, including jaw trauma from a baton blow. In several cases, people lost their jobs due to prolonged detention.
Manila police have denied the allegations. They claim that they maintain a "maximum tolerance" approach, reiterating that the violence was sparked by protesters who set vehicles on fire and threw objects at officers.
The authorities reported the arrest of 216 people, including 91 minors, on charges of conspiracy and other offences. Amnesty, however, noted that many of those taken into custody did not take part in any violent acts.
Numerous irregularities were also found regarding detention, with scores of people held beyond the 36 hours allowed by law for warrantless arrests.
Minors, according to child rights experts, were also beaten and forced to perform "community service" as a form of punishment.
Amnesty has called for an immediate, independent, and impartial investigation into the violence blamed on the police and has demanded that those responsible be prosecuted.
People must be able to take to the streets “without fear”, said Jerrie Abella, Amnesty International’s Regional Campaigns Manager. The authorities must “protect the right to freedom of expression,” while the police must ensure people’s “safety, not target them with violence.”
With new anti-corruption marches scheduled for this weekend, anticipation and concern are growing over the police response.
One protest is set for 30 November as part of the Trillion Peso March movement, which has gathered support from civil associations, religious groups, unions, and student movements. The authorities have already activated extraordinary security measures.
The initiative was launched to demand transparency and justice in the scandal involving funds earmarked for flood relief that were never actually spent on public works. Concerns include further violence by law enforcement and the risk of pre-emptive repression.
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22/09/2025 12:03
