NUPL condemns arrest of 5 paralegals, threat against supervising lawyer
“The arrests were an attack not only on members of a legal team, but on the right of detained persons to prompt and effective legal assistance,” said Atty. Ephraim B. Cortez, NUPL President.
September 14, 2026
NUPL
The National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers is a nationwide voluntary association of human rights lawyers in the Philippines, committed to the defense, protection, and promotion of human rights, especially of the poor and the oppressed.

Press Release

The National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) condemns the arrest of five paralegals deployed during the September 10, 2026 rally at the Hyatt Regency in BGC, as well as the threat to arrest their supervising lawyer.

“The arrests were an attack not only on members of a legal team, but on the right of detained persons to prompt and effective legal assistance,” said Atty. Ephraim B. Cortez, NUPL President.

The paralegals were deployed to monitor and document possible rights violations, record arrests and detention, obtain detainees’ initial narratives, assist with bail requirements, and attend to their immediate needs. They were acting under the direct supervision of Karapatan’s in-house counsel and NUPL lawyers.

Three paralegals monitoring the rally were arrested and brought to a Taguig police station. A quick response team composed of two other paralegals and their supervising NUPL lawyer proceeded to the station and asked to see the detainees pursuant to constitutional guarantees and Republic Act No. 7438.

Instead of allowing access, PCol. Julius C. Añonuevo, Taguig City police chief, ordered the arrest of the two paralegals and threatened to arrest their supervising lawyer when she intervened.

“Lawyers and paralegals cannot be arrested or intimidated for performing legitimate legal work,” Cortez said. “Threatening counsel with arrest directly interferes with her ability to provide independent and competent representation.”

Paralegal work is expressly recognized under Canon II, Section 34 of the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability, which allows lawyers to delegate tasks related to legal practice under their supervision.

The NUPL is preparing the appropriate administrative complaint against Añonuevo and will file it immediately.

The NUPL also notes that Añonuevo was among the police and military officials declared responsible and accountable by the Court of Appeals in its January 14, 2026 amparo decision concerning the enforced disappearance of James Valera Jazmines, without prejudice to possible criminal, civil, or administrative liability.

“The police must be held accountable for obstructing legal assistance and intimidating those who provide it,” Cortez said.

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Photo credit: Altermidya

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