CHR monitors welfare of 91 minors arrested during Sept. 21 protest rallies

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is closely monitoring the situation of minors arrested during the September 21 protest actions in Manila, underscoring the need to uphold children’s rights and ensure that state responses to public dissent remain rights-based.

In a statement, the CHR said its National Capital Region Office, Investigation Office, Prevention Office, and Child Rights Center are actively following up on the status and welfare of the minors detained by the Manila Police District after the demonstrations.

According to the commission, 91 minors were processed and validated by the Philippine National Police’s Women and Children Protection Center and the Department of Social Welfare and Development before being turned over to the Manila Social Welfare Office.

Of these, 68 minors have been released to their parents, while non-Manila residents were transferred to their respective local government units. The rest remain in a youth facility awaiting pickup by their families.

Through its Child Rights Center, the CHR said it continues to monitor their release and welfare and will issue guidelines for aftercare programs to support their reintegration.

Focus on rehabilitation, not punishment

The commission welcomed the Manila City Government’s efforts to prioritize rehabilitation over punitive measures. It noted that parents of the minors have pledged to participate in diversion and intervention programs, including community service, rehabilitation, and reintegration initiatives.

Cleanup activities are among the proposed restorative measures for the minors, which the CHR said serve as “constructive and restorative approaches” rather than punitive responses.

Right to protest, limits to violence

The CHR reaffirmed that citizens have the right to peaceful assembly and to express their grievances, particularly in calling out government corruption.

“The Commission reiterates that citizens have the right to peaceful assembly and to express grievances, especially in calling out corruption in government,” the statement read. “CHR stands in solidarity with the Filipino people in condemning corruption, which deprives communities of essential services and violates fundamental rights.”

However, the agency stressed that while protests are a legitimate democratic exercise, acts of violence and property destruction “cannot be condoned” as they endanger public safety and harm communities.

Probe into possible rights violations

The CHR said it is continuing to document, monitor, and investigate reports of possible human rights violations related to the protests, including how minors were handled during and after their arrest.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to ensure that human rights principles guide the State’s response to public dissent,” the commission said.

The September 21 demonstrations centered on calls to end corruption in government, drawing large crowds that included students and youth groups. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News