The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has filed a criminal complaint against Cavite Representative Kiko Barzaga over the violence that erupted during the September 21 anti-corruption protests in Manila.
CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II confirmed the filing on Wednesday, saying the case was submitted to the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office following incidents in the Mendiola and Recto areas.
Morico said the CIDG would not issue further remarks, noting that the matter is now under preliminary investigation and that additional comments could influence the proceedings.
Before the confirmation was made public, Barzaga posted online a document that appeared to be a subpoena from the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.
The document cites possible violations of Articles 138 and 142 of the Revised Penal Code—inciting to rebellion and inciting to sedition—linked to Section 6 of the Cybercrime Prevention Act, suggesting the alleged offenses were committed through digital platforms. The subpoena directs him to appear before prosecutors on November 18 and 25.
Neither Morico nor the CIDG confirmed whether the charges shown in Barzaga’s post matched the complaint they filed.
Barzaga’s post also included a message addressed to President Bongbong Marcos, stating:
“Bongbong Marcos, how many people have your father killed or imprisoned before he was removed from power? This will not stop us. This will only make our revolution stronger!”
The complaint against Barzaga forms part of a broader legal response to the unrest during the September 21 rallies, which turned chaotic near Ayala Bridge and later spilled into Mendiola. More than 200 people were arrested, and one fatality was reported. Human rights groups have criticized the police for alleged excessive force and raised concerns about the dispersal operations.
Last week, the CIDG said it also filed cases against 97 unnamed individuals related to the same protest, citing violations under Articles 136, 139, and 142 of the Revised Penal Code, covering various offenses tied to rebellion and sedition.
As of this writing, the Department of Justice has yet to issue a statement regarding the complaint involving Barzaga.
