The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is looking into alleged human rights violations after several individuals were arrested in the wake of riotous protests in Manila on September 21, 2025, which injured civilians, policemen, activists, and members of the media.
“The Commission reiterates that protests hold a rightful place in a democratic society. However, the exercise of rights must not endanger others or compromise public safety,” the CHR said in a statement on Tuesday.
“Likewise, while the State may regulate assemblies to preserve public order, such measures must always comply with human rights standards, guided by the principles of necessity, proportionality, and accountability,” it added.
The CHR in Metro Manila office and a composite team from the central office monitored the series of protest actions in Luneta Park last Sunday, including assemblies at Ayala Bridge and Recto Avenue in Manila, as well as EDSA Shrine in Quezon City and other venues.
The Commission noted that the assemblies were peaceful in the morning at the Luneta Park, but acknowledged that it turned violent in some areas.
“Tensions, however, escalated at random places in Manila where clashes between groups and police were observed in the afternoon,” it said.
“As such, CHR continues to consolidate documentation and testimonies gathered by all deployed monitoring teams. Monitoring of cases and developments remains ongoing, including reports of the harassment of media personnel at one protest site,” the CHR added.
The Commission said it continues to monitor the condition of detained individuals, particularly the minors.
“Further impartial inquiry will also be undertaken regarding reports that law enforcement authorities may have violated the police rules of procedure on the use of force, and to determine whether grave human rights violations were committed,” the CHR said.
