Philippine National Police personnel, including those from the National Capital Region Police Office and various regional units, stand guard outside St. Peter Parish along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City at 6:30 a.m. Monday, July 27, ahead of protest rallies during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address. (Trixee Rosel/MANILA BULLETIN)
Nine protesters accused of vandalism during Monday’s State of the Nation Address faced inquest proceedings at the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office on Tuesday, July 28.
The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) said the nine are facing complaints for alleged violations of Presidential Decree No. 1829, Articles 151 and 153 of the Revised Penal Code, malicious mischief, and Quezon City Ordinance No. SP 3163, Series of 2022, or the city’s Anti Vandalism Ordinance.
They were among 51 individuals taken into police custody after officers allegedly caught a group spray painting walls near the Meralco Diliman Substation in Barangay Matandang Balara around 11:35 a.m. on July 27.
Police said some members of the group resisted intervention, sparking a commotion, while others allegedly tried to block a Bureau of Jail Management and Penology transport vehicle carrying detainees.
Recovered during the operation were spray paint cans, markers, banners, flags, caps, balaclavas, jackets, hoodies, T shirts, eco bags, and a backpack.
Authorities said 30 individuals remain under investigation to determine their alleged participation, with criminal charges to follow if sufficient evidence is established.
Meanwhile, 12 rescued male minors underwent medico legal examination before being profiled and documented by the Quezon City Social Services Development Department, assisted by the QCPD Women and Children Protection Desk.
They were released to their parents and guardians at around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday after the required intervention and assessment.
Despite the vandalism incident, the QCPD said security operations for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth SONA were generally peaceful and orderly, with an estimated 7,000 individuals joining various protest activities.