The Commission on Human Rights (CHR), through its National Capital Region Office, Investigation Office, Prevention Office, and Child Rights Center, continues to monitor the situation of protesters arrested by the Manila Police District following the 21 September 2025 protest actions.

Based on our monitoring, 91 minors were processed and validated by the Women and Children Protection Center of the Philippine National Police and the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and were later turned over to the Manila Social Welfare Office.

Around 68 minors have been turned over to their parents; non-Manila residents were brought to their respective local government units; and, the rest are temporarily housed in a youth facility, awaiting pickup by their parents. Through our Child Rights Center, CHR continues to monitor the release and welfare of the minors, and will provide guidelines for their aftercare programs.

CHR acknowledges the Manila City Government’s efforts to uphold children’s rights by focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment. Parents have pledged to join diversion and intervention programs, including community service, rehabilitation, and reintegration, with proposed cleanup activities for the minors to serve as a constructive and restorative approach.

The Commission reiterates that citizens have the right to peaceful assembly and to express grievances, especially in calling out corruption in government. CHR stands in solidarity with the Filipino people in condemning corruption, which deprives communities of essential services and violates fundamental rights. However, while protest is a legitimate exercise of democratic freedom, acts of violence and destruction of property cannot be condoned as they endanger public safety and harm communities.

The Commission continues to document, monitor, and investigate reports of possible human rights violations related to the recent protests, including the handling of minors. We remain steadfast in our commitment to ensure that human rights principles guide the State’s response to public dissent.