Pro-Duterte Rally Organizer Detained in Cebu City Amid ASEAN Summit Protests
The organizer of a pro-Duterte rally was taken into temporary custody at the Mabolo police station in Cebu City after attempting to enter the South Road Properties (SRP) on Wednesday, January 29, 2026. The incident occurred as the ASEAN Summit was being held at the SRP venue, drawing attention to political tensions in the region.
Arrest of Marcos Critic Sparks Controversy
The person arrested by Cebu City police was identified as Jun Abines, a known critic of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Abines was part of a pro-Duterte group that rode motorcycles and carried placards with the words "Plunderer Mastermind" alongside a photo of Marcos. The group was stopped from entering the SRP in front of Malacañang sa Sugbo, a key government building in Cebu.
Former congressman Mike Defensor, who was present at the scene, documented the event through a Facebook live stream. He showed how police officers blocked the caravan from accessing the SRP, despite the group's stated peaceful intentions. Defensor defended the protest caravan, emphasizing that their sole purpose was to convey their message to delegates of the ASEAN Summit regarding government corruption and the non-acceptance of impeachment complaints.
Police Action and Rally Leaders' Response
In his live broadcast, Defensor expressed surprise that the SRP was open before their arrival, yet the pro-Duterte riders were suddenly blocked when they reached the area. He stated, "Pinababayaan natin sila, di naman natin sila gugulohin because we want to express our sentiments, our grievances dito sa corruption sa ating gobyerno at non-acceptance sa impeachment complaints." This translates to: "We let them be; we didn't cause a commotion because we want to express our sentiments, our grievances here regarding corruption in our government and non-acceptance of impeachment complaints."
Abines, Defensor, and other rally leaders attempted to plead with police officers to allow entry, but their requests were denied, forcing them to turn back. As they retreated, police followed the group to the North Reclamation Area near Barangay Mabolo. At this location, several riders were arrested, and their motorcycles were impounded by authorities.
Allegations of Unfair Treatment
Abines' group claimed that even though the motorcycles were parked on the roadside while the riders ate, traffic enforcers still towed the vehicles and issued tickets. Defensor voiced his frustration, saying, "Bakit pa hulihin, tapos na nga gagawin pa nating gulo, ano ba yan… Kung kailan tapus na peaceful na, naayos na natin lahat ito, nandito tayo ngayon." This means: "Why arrest us? Everything was already peaceful, we had arranged everything, and here we are now."
Police Statement and Legal Implications
At the time of this report, Cebu City police, led by Police Colonel George Ylanan, had not released an official statement regarding the incident. However, a police official told Superbalita Cebu that Abines will face a case for obstruction of justice. The charge stems from his insistence on holding a rally without obtaining a permit from the Cebu City Government, highlighting ongoing legal and political disputes over public demonstrations in the Philippines.
This event underscores the heightened security measures during international summits like the ASEAN Summit and raises questions about freedom of expression and assembly in Cebu City. The arrest of a prominent critic amid protests adds to the complex political landscape, with implications for future rallies and government responses.
