18 arrested in QC for alleged relief ops, protest violations

Eighteen individuals, including 4 relief volunteers and 14 beneficiaries, were arrested in Quezon City on Labor Day for alleged violations during relief operations and a subsequent protest.

The arrested individuals, identified as UP Diliman students and a CEGP member, were involved in distributing face shields and preparing food at a community kitchen before the protest.

Authorities claimed the suspects lacked quarantine passes, a reason contested by their lawyer who stated no law explicitly penalizes such an offense.

The group was initially summoned by barangay officials before being turned over to the Quezon City Police District and detained at Camp Karingal.

The College Editor's Guild of the Philippines condemned the arrests, labeling the detention as a "political crackdown."