CIDG files raps vs 97 persons over Sept. 21 violence

A commotion breaks out at the Mendiola area in Manila during the anti-corruption rally last Sept. 21, 2025. (Jason Sigales/INQUIRER.net)

MANILA, Philippines — Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Director Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico on Monday said charges were filed last Tuesday before the Department of Justice against at least 97 individuals over violent incidents during the Sept. 21 anti-corruption rallies.

The cases were for violations of the Revised Penal Code, particularly Articles 136, 139, and 142, which pertain to conspiracy and proposal to commit rebellion or insurrection, sedition, and inciting to sedition, respectively, Morico said in a press briefing at Camp Crame.

Who are the respondents? The CIDG director answered, “The instigators, including yung mga nagfu-fund and those who are behind the planning. Ongoing yung investigation natin. Walang sisinuhin.”

(The instigators, including those who funded it and those who are behind the planning. Our investigation is ongoing. No one will be spared.)

 Last Thursday, however, Morico said the CIDG is filing charges against 40 persons. 

Asked to clarify, Philippine National Police (PNP) public information chief Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said the cases against the 97 individuals are apart from possible cases against the 40 persons.

“This is just the first batch. Those who have been issued a subpoena are in batch two,” Tuaño explained.

While the CIDG has consistently declined to identify the supposed respondents, at least six individuals have either identified themselves online or have been identified through copies of the subpoenas:

• Aldrin Kitsune – film student, De La Salle University – College of Saint Benilde; officer, anti-corruption group Kabataan Kontra Korapsyon

• Park Alamada Pangawilan – vlogger, also known as Kuya Park

• Jacob Baluyot – journalism student, Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), Sta Mesa; associate editor, PUP student publication The Catalyst

• Joaquin Buenaflor – political science student, University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman; chairperson, UP Diliman University Student Council

• Tiffany Brillante – political science student, PUP Sta. Mesa; president, PUP Sentral na Konseho ng Mag-aaral

• Harry Angping — former Manila 3rd District representative; former chairman, Philippine Sports Commission

All six respondents have denied involvement in the riots. /gsg