The Philippine National Police (PNP) has arrested 51 individuals amid the State of the Nation Address (SONA) 2026 rally, according to a Monday report by RH 52 Edniel Parrosa.

PNP Chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said violators were primarily vandals who defaced public property along Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City.

Others were apprehended after being caught violating special laws and local ordinances. All are under the custody of the QC Police Station 6.

Nartatez personally conducted an inspection of Commonwealth Ave. and the vicinity of the Batasang Pambansa Complex.

“They were accosted because of violations of ordinances and special laws, particularly R.A. 9003, B.P. 880, and local ordinances. Lalo na ‘yung magtatakip ng mukha? Bawal ‘yung magtatakip ng mukha, lalo na ‘yung nangyari noong September last year,” he said.

In an earlier report by RH 15 Jecelle Ricafort, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan Secretary General Mong Palatino said that of 35 to 40 youths arrested, the majority were members of Vandals United.

Palatino called the “illegal” arrests of the yet unidentified youths “deliberate” and “premeditated.”

Meanwhile, Bayan President Renato Reyes Jr. claimed that authorities attempted to run protesters over when they tried to block the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) bus carrying the arrested individuals.

Reyes added that they were threatened with arrest if they persisted in barring the vehicle’s path.