Philippine National Police public information chief Col. Allen Rae Co. Photo courtesy of PNP/Facebook
Nine people arrested during protest actions held alongside President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address will face inquest proceedings over various criminal complaints, the Philippine National Police said Tuesday.
PNP spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co said seven of the detainees would undergo inquest for alleged malicious mischief, vandalism, and disobedience to a person in authority.
The remaining two individuals, both women, were set to face inquest proceedings for alleged obstruction of justice.
Police did not disclose the identities of those involved or provide further details on the specific incidents that led to the charges.
Co said one of the nine individuals was the same person accused of punching a police captain during a confrontation that occurred while authorities were managing the rally.
Meanwhile, investigators continued to assess the possible liability of 30 other individuals who were also taken into custody during the demonstrations.
Authorities said 12 of the 51 people initially detained were minors. They were turned over to social workers for assessment before being released.
Despite the arrests and isolated confrontations, the PNP said the overall conduct of the President’s fifth SONA remained generally peaceful, with only minor disturbances reported between police officers and protesters.