Vendors hold a protest rally in front of the Pasay Comelec Office. (Photo from Pasay City Police)
Police arrested three market vendors during a protest rally held in front of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Pasay City.
Pasay City Police Chief Col. Joselito De Sesto identified the arrested individuals as Adonis, 44, of Barangay Salapan, San Juan City; Jonell, 33, of Barangay Uno, Caloocan City; and Mario, 69, of Malibay, Pasay City.
The suspects were among around 50 members of the Wowee Vendors Association who staged a protest along F.B. Harrison Street, demanding the reopening of the Wowee Public Market on Taft Avenue, Barangay 97.
The market was ordered closed on Dec. 19, 2025 by the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) due to its continued failure to comply with mandatory requirements for securing a business permit.
De Sesto said the three were arrested after they became unruly and attempted to proceed toward Pasay City Hall.
He noted that the protest was conducted without the required permit, in violation of Batas Pambansa Blg. 880, or the Public Assembly Act of 1985.
Despite repeated warnings from police to remain within the designated area, maintain order, and avoid obstructing traffic, the protesters allegedly refused to comply.
Due to their continued defiance and escalating behavior, police implemented lawful dispersal procedures in accordance with operational guidelines and existing laws, De Sesto said.
The rally was eventually dispersed, and the three individuals were arrested for alleged violations of Batas Pambansa Blg. 880 (Illegal Assembly), Article 155 (Alarms and Scandals), and Article 151 (Resistance and Disobedience to a Person in Authority) of the Revised Penal Code, as well as local ordinances on traffic obstruction.