Baguio artist freed after reported SONA protest arrest; group seeks release of remaining detainees

BAGUIO CITY — A Baguio City-based artist has been released after he was reportedly arrested during protests held in connection with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA), while fellow artists continue to call for the release of the remaining protesters still in police custody.

Artista ti Kordilyera para iti Wayawaya (ARKIW), an artists' collective under the Dap-ayan ti Kultura iti Kordilyera (DKK), identified the artist as Jose Mari Obra, also known as Juan, whose works focus on the experiences, aspirations, and rights of ordinary Filipinos.

According to the group, Juan was among more than 40 individuals reportedly arrested by police during the SONA protest held on Monday, July 27, along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City.

The group said he was initially taken to Camp Caringal, the headquarters of the Eastern Police District, before being transferred to Quezon City Police Station 6.

ARKIW alleged that Juan's arrest was unlawful and described it as part of what it called continuing harassment and intimidation of activists and individuals expressing their views through peaceful protest.

"Hindi na bago ang ganitong uri ng panggigipit at karahasan mula sa kapulisan. Sa kabila ng paulit-ulit na paglabag sa karapatang pantao, patuloy pa ring nababalewala ang panawagan para sa pananagutan sa mga tiwali at korap na nasa posisyon. Samantala, ang mga maralita at mga mamamayang naninindigan para sa kanilang mga karapatan ay inaaresto, tinatakot, at pinatatahimik. Hindi krimen ang manindigan. Hindi krimen ang magpahayag," the group said in a Facebook post.

The organization added that Juan has long used his art to advocate for human rights, freedom, and dignity, maintaining that expressing one's views and standing up for people's rights should not be treated as a crime.

On Tuesday, July 28, ARKIW announced that Juan had been released from police custody following public calls for his freedom.

Despite his release, the group said its campaign would continue, claiming that nine individuals remain in detention in connection with the SONA demonstrations.

"Bagaman nagpapasalamat kami sa kanyang pagliligtas, mayroon pa rin SIYAM na nakaaresto dahil lamang sa pagproprotesta sa mapayapang pamamaraan. Ang panawagan para sa kalayaan ng mga Feria 45 ay hindi titigil sa pagpapalaya ng isa, kung hindi ay hangga't mapapalaya ang lahat na inaresto nang ilegal!" the group wrote.

As of this writing, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has yet to issue an official statement addressing the allegations raised by ARKIW. The group's claims have not been independently verified.