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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider 3 held for wearing balaclavas during anti-corruption protest in Manila

3 held for wearing balaclavas during anti-corruption protest in Manila

Published Nov 30, 2025 02:28 pm
The three balaclava-wearing men caught during the demonstration in Kalaw, Manila. (Photo from Kilusang Setyembre Bente Uno)
The three balaclava-wearing men caught during the demonstration in Kalaw, Manila. (Photo from Kilusang Setyembre Bente Uno)
Three individuals were reprimanded by the police for wearing balaclavas during the Nov. 30 protest in Manila amid the city's anti-balaclava ordinance prohibiting people from wearing anything that covers their faces, especially inside commercial, government, and other public establishments.
According to the Manila Police District (MPD), the three men, an 18-year-old college student and two others aged 20 and 23, were seen participating in the demonstration along Plaza Salamanca in Kalaw Avenue.
They were identified as contributors for freelance media by a non-government organization. 
They were subsequently invited to come to Police Station 5 for documentation and medical examination by the police.
The police had earlier reminded protesters about the anti-balaclava ordinance in Manila signed last Nov. 3 by Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso intended to prevent criminals from taking advantage of situations where faces are covered, so that anyone committing a crime can be easily identified and held accountable.
The ordinance prohibits the wearing of balaclavas, helmets, face masks (except for health reasons), hoodies that cover the face, and any headgear that conceals one’s identity inside commercial and government buildings, as well as when lowered or on standby while riding a motorcycle.
The wearing of such items is also prohibited when the rider or passenger alights within three meters of their motorcycle for any reason, such as, but not limited to, fixing the vehicle, waiting to buy something from a store or market, using an Automated Teller Machine (ATM), or similar activities.
Meanwhile, the local government stated that the following are not covered by the ordinance:
•Periods of public health emergencies when the wearing of face masks is recommended or required by the Department of Health (DOH) or the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF).
•Riders in motion, or drivers and passengers who are still on their motorcycles and have temporarily stopped due to traffic lights, road signs, or instructions from traffic enforcers.
•Law enforcers performing official duties, especially during emergencies or hot pursuit operations.
•Individuals with serious illnesses or comorbidities who need to wear face masks.
•Persons with religious exemptions, including those wearing turbans or any headgear that is part of their faith.

Related Tags

ANTI BALACLAVA ORDINANCE MANILA CITY ANTI-CORRUPTION RALLY METRO NEWS MPD
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