CHR cites Manila for 'rehabilitation rather than punishment' of minors arrested during Sept. 21 rally

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has cited the city government of Manila for its decision to “rehabilitate rather than punish” the minors who were arrested during the Sept. 21, 2025 protest rally in the city.

- By CZARINA NICOLE ONG KI and PATRICK GARCIA

In a statement on Tuesday, Sept. 30, the CHR said it monitored closely the situation of those arrested by the Manila Police District due to their actions during the rally.

It said that 91 minors have been processed and validated by the Women and Children Protection Center of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). They were later turned over to the Manila Social Welfare Office, it also said.

Out of the 91 minors, 68 of them have been turned over to their parents, while those who are not Manila residents were brought to their respective local government units. The rest were temporarily housed in a youth facility, awaiting pickup by their parents.