Five paralegals detained during a demonstration in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and at a subsequent police precinct have been freed after posting bail on Saturday, September 12.
The individuals—identified as Mara Peralta, Jona Yang, Kenneth Castor, RC Placido, and Daya Juliano, collectively referred to as the “LEC 5″—paid ₱60,000 each to cover four separate charges.
Their arrests stemmed from a September 10 protest targeting the 2026 Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) Investment Forum, an event hosted at a BGC hotel and sponsored by the US Trade and Development Agency.
Demonstrators gathered to voice opposition against Pax Silica, a US Department of State project concerning artificial intelligence and supply chain security.
Law enforcement officers apprehended Peralta, Yang, and Castor outside the forum venue, while Placido and Juliano were taken into custody after arriving at the Tuktukan Police Station in Taguig City.
The Southern Police District stated that several responding officers sustained injuries during the demonstration. Following inquest proceedings, the Taguig Office of the Prosecutor set the total bail at ₱60,000 per individual:
- ₱36,000 for direct assault upon an agent of authority (Article 148)
- ₱18,000 for tumults and public order disturbances (Article 153)
- ₱3,000 for resistance and disobedience (Article 151)
- ₱3,000 for alarms and scandals (Article 155)
The group includes members associated with various advocacy organizations, including the University of the Philippines Office of the Student Regent, NNARA Youth, AGHAM, Unyon ng Manggagawa sa Agrikultura, and Karapatan.