MPD denies stealing protesters’ phones during Martial Law rally

The Manila Police District (MPD) denied allegations Thursday from youth protesters claiming officers stole their mobile phones during demonstrations marking the anniversary of Martial Law on 21 September 2026.

In a formal statement, the MPD stated it remains open to an independent investigation to clarify the incident.

Police acknowledged that officers confiscated phones from individuals arrested for public vandalism during the demonstrations.

However, officials stated the devices were subsequently returned to a legal representative who met with MPD director Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibarra.

Police added that video footage clearly documents the return of the confiscated equipment to the attorney and the arrested individual.

The response follows a complaint filed with the National Police Commission (Napolcom) by the militant youth group Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan (SPARK).

The group alleged that police seized two mobile phones during the protest. SPARK claimed that location tracking for an iPhone 15 showed the device moving from police headquarters at Camp Crame to a secondhand electronics market in Greenhills, San Juan.

Police officials questioned the reliability of the tracking data, stating that GPS coordinates alone do not prove police custody or wrongdoing.

“At this point, it cannot yet be determined whether the two cellphones were actually taken, left behind, or simply lost in some other manner,” the MPD statement read. “It would also be improper to immediately blame the police officers without clear and sufficient evidence.”

Police urged investigators to review the return footage, GPS logs, and witness statements to establish the facts.

“We are calling for a fair and impartial investigation,” the command added. “We are willing to submit the video and other relevant materials that may help clarify the incident and determine who, if anyone, should be held responsible.”