APCHRP CONDEMNS THE VIOLENT ARREST OF STUDENT PROTESTERS AND POLICE REPRESSION AHEAD OF THE ASEAN SUMMIT

November 13, 2026 | Statement of the Asia Pacific Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (APCHRP)

The Asia Pacific Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (APCHRP) vehemently condemns the violent arrest and repression of protesters exercising their democratic right to dissent against the upcoming visit of US President Donald Trump for the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits. APCHRP likewise denounces the Marcos administration’s continued collaboration with Trump – a war criminal, child killer, sexual offender, and fascist.

During the protest, members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) reportedly used excessive force against student demonstrators, including physically assaulting and choking protesters and arresting three student council members from the University of Makati. The three students are currently being detained at PNP Taguig City Police Station Sub-Station 1, where they reportedly face possible charges of alarms and scandals.

The repression extends beyond the arrested students. Farmers and workers from different regions of the Philippines are mobilizing to protest the ASEAN Summit and assert their demands for land, livelihood, and social justice. Yet, even before they can reach the farmers’ protest camp, they are reportedly being subjected to police intimidation, harassment, and blockades intended to prevent them from joining the mobilization.

These acts of violence expose the true orientation of the PNP: rather than serving and protecting the Filipino people, it acts to defend the interests of the ruling classes and those in power.

After painting over walls, concealing polluted rivers and impoverished communities behind barriers, imposing lockdowns across the city, and disrupting the livelihoods of ordinary workers, the Marcos administration has once again demonstrated its disregard for the conditions confronting the Filipino people. Instead of addressing poverty, inequality, and social injustices, the administration has intensified security measures and restrictions against those protesting the ASEAN Summit and the proposed US-led Pax Silica initiative that will displaced the community of farmers and indigenous people.

APCHRP calls for the immediate and unconditional release of the three detained student protesters, the withdrawal of any unfounded charges against them, an independent investigation into the reported police violence, and accountability for those responsible. We likewise demand an immediate end to the intimidation, harassment, and obstruction of farmers and workers seeking to participate in peaceful protests.

#RejectPaxSilica
#TrumpOut