4 activists held after protest near ASEAN Summit venue

Local

FOUR Greenpeace Southeast Asia activists were brought to a police station on Friday, May 8.

This, after staging a protest near the venue of the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu calling on regional leaders to address the worsening plastic crisis and the region’s dependence on fossil fuels.

In a statement, Greenpeace Philippines said the activists held what it described as a “peaceful protest” on the opening day of the summit.

It urged Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders to reduce plastic production, phase out problematic single-use plastics, strengthen waste prevention policies, and hold corporations accountable for pollution.

The group also pressed ASEAN governments to move away from fossil fuel dependence, which it said continues to drive climate-related harm across Southeast Asia.

“Instead of silencing peaceful protest, ASEAN leaders must listen to the message: communities across Southeast Asia are already being harmed by landfill collapses, toxic fires, polluted air, and plastic pollution they did not create,” Greenpeace said.

The environmental organization added that the “real danger” was not activism but “a system that allows corporations to keep flooding our region with single-use plastics while communities pay the price with their health, livelihoods, and even their lives.”

As of posting time, Greenpeace said the four activists were at Lapu-Lapu City Police Station 2 and had not been allowed to leave.

The Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LCPO), in a separate press statement, reiterated that unauthorized rallies, picketing activities, road obstructions, and disruptions within designated security and restricted areas during the ASEAN Summit were “strictly prohibited.”

“Any individual or group found violating existing laws, local ordinances, and established security protocols shall be dealt with accordingly under the full extent of the law,” the LCPO said.

Police said the restrictions were being enforced to ensure the “smooth, safe, orderly, and secure conduct” of the summit and to protect delegates, visitors, residents, and the public.

“Security is a shared responsibility. We urge everyone to cooperate with law enforcement authorities and respect the established regulations for the success and safety of the ASEAN Summit 2026,” the statement added.

Authorities did not immediately disclose whether charges would be filed against the activists.

The incident unfolded as Cebu hosts the 48th ASEAN Summit, which has drawn regional leaders and delegates for discussions on political, economic, environmental, and security issues confronting Southeast Asia.

Greenpeace called for the immediate release of the activists and urged ASEAN leaders to prioritize stronger regional action against plastic pollution and climate change.(TGP)