The Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR) vehemently condemns the arrest of more than 51 youth activists in today’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) protest. These youth activists are reportedly members of Hiphop United, Vandals United and Anakbayan Pasong Tamo and mostly come from poor and working-class communities.

Police officials have failed to exlain the reason for the youth activists’ arrest, apart from making vague statements about “vandalism.” More importantly, they have denied the youth activists access to lawyers, who are at hand and prepared to respond to arrests and similar circumstances.

The very public and forceful manner in which the arrests were carried out indicates an effort to stem public support for a protest against government corruption, joblessness, low wages and high prices. The arrests constitute a violation of the people’s right to peacefully assemble and air grievances.

We are worried about the situation of the activist youths who were arrested. The Philippine National Police (PNP) has a record of using coercion against detainees, especially those coming from poor and working-class communities, and filing fabricated charges against them.

We call on the PNP to respect the civil and political rights of the Filipino workers and people. It should respect the right of workers and all Filipinos to protest. It should respect the rights of the activist youths in its custody, especially their fundamental and constitutional right to counsel.