A Cebu City court has allowed an activist arrested during a pro-Duterte protest held amid the ASEAN Summit to post bail.
The Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC) Branch 01 approved the urgent motion to post bail filed by Ernesto Sereno Abines Jr., also known as Jun Abines, who was arrested for alleged violation of Batas Pambansa Blg. 880, or the Public Assembly Act of 1985.
In an order dated January 30, 2026, the court fixed Abines’ bail at P3,000, granting him provisional liberty while formal charges are being prepared.
Abines was arrested on January 29 and detained at Cebu City Police Station 4 after police blocked a group of motorcycle riders attempting to enter the South Road Properties (SRP), the main venue of the ASEAN Summit.
Police said Abines organized the rally without securing the required permit from the city government, an alleged violation of the Public Assembly Act. Authorities also indicated he may face obstruction-related charges.
The pro-Duterte group, composed of motorcycle riders carrying placards accusing President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. of corruption, was intercepted in front of Malacañang sa Sugbo.
The group reportedly intended to bring their protest to SRP, where foreign delegates were attending summit activities.
In a Facebook live broadcast during the incident, former congressman Mike Defensor questioned the police action, saying the group was expressing grievances peacefully.
“Pinababayaan natin sila, di naman natin silang gulohin because we want to express our sentiments, our grievances dito sa corruption sa ating gobyerno at non-acceptance sa impeachment complaints,” Defensor said.
Defensor also claimed the SRP was initially open to traffic but was closed as the riders approached.
After being denied entry, the group moved toward the North Reclamation Area in Barangay Mabolo, with police following closely behind.
Tensions escalated when traffic enforcers began issuing citations and impounding motorcycles parked along the roadside during the riders’ break.
“Bakit pa hulihin, tapos na nga, gagawin pa nating gulo. Kung kailan tapos na, peaceful na, naayos na natin lahat ito, nandito tayo ngayon,” Defensor said.
Cebu City Police Director Col. George Ylanan has yet to issue an official statement on the arrest and the court’s order allowing bail.
Under BP 880, public assemblies are recognized as a constitutional right but are subject to regulation, including permit requirements, to ensure public order and safety. (LLP)
Jun Abines/ Facebook
