A total of 55 minors allegedly involved in the September 21 violent rallies in Manila have been ordered to undergo a diversion program in exchange for their release, the Manila Prosecutor’s Office announced.
According to Manila Department of Social Welfare (MDSW) Director Jay Dela Fuente, the minors began rendering community service on October 17, 2025, following a meeting with their parents.
Dela Fuente reminded parents of their duty to properly guide and discipline their children, emphasizing that while the law protects minors, it also holds them accountable for their actions.
The parents of the Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) pledged to cooperate with city authorities by assisting in cleanup efforts and personally supervising their children throughout the program. The diversion initiative aims to help the youth reform through counseling, values formation, and community service, instilling discipline, respect, and positive behavior.
The program is implemented under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 (Republic Act No. 9344), as amended by RA 10630, which allows CICL to be diverted from formal court proceedings and instead placed in community-based restorative justice programs.
The 55 minors were apprehended for their participation in the September riots, which involved acts of violence, damage to public and private property, and the assault of police officers.
