14 activists charged for holding protests without permits during Sona

Sona protesters march along Commonwealth Avenue to Tandang Sora in Quezon City on Monday, July 24, for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s second State of the Nation Address.

MANILA, Philippines — Fourteen activists who are leaders of groups that staged protests during the second State of the Nation Address (Sona) of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. are facing criminal charges.

A report from Quezon City Police District (QCPD) said the persons are being sued for lacking permits to hold demonstrations.

Police have filed complaints against the individuals for alleged violation of the Public Assembly Act of 1985 or Batas Pambansa Bilang 880.

The cases were filed at Quezon City Prosecutors’ Office.

The respondents are leaders of several organizations.

Their names, groups, and designations are as follows:

• Felix “Ka Jhun Pascua” Pascua Jr., Kilusan Para sa Pambansang Demokrasya spokesperson
• Palo “Ka Pabs” Rosales, Pangisda Pilipinas national chairperson
• Larry Mallorca, Philfoods union president
• Luchell Felix, Umento – Southern Tagalog spokesperson
• Jaysie Balunga of Sugar – Batangas
• Miguel Portea of Southern Tagalog Regional Transport Organization – Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan mga Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide
• Mario Fernandez of Organized Labor Associations in Line Industries and Agriculture president
• Kenneth Rementilla of Anakbayan – Southern Tagalog
• Charm Maranan of Defend Southern Tagalog
• Jasmin Rubia of Mothers and Children for the Protection of Human Rights
• Orly Marcellana, Tanggol Magsasaka leader
• John Peter Angelo Garcia, Youth Advocates for Peace with Justice chairperson
• Jemme Mia Antonio, Liga ng Mangagawa – Southern Tagalog spokesperson
• Kyle Angelo Salgado, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan – Southern Tagalog spokesperson

QCPD Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit inspected the respondents’ office at a building along Maaralin Street in Barangay Central.

Police also secured a verification from the QC Department of Public Order and Safety to get proof that the protesters were not allowed to hold rallies.

This deficiency was confirmed by city government head III Elmo San Diego in a letter he signed dated August 14.

The respondents conducted the activities last July 24 as the President delivered his Sona at Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.

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APL/abc