Several Greenpeace activists were taken into custody on Friday in Cebu City during a peaceful protest coinciding with the 48th Asean Summit.
The group urged regional leaders to address the escalating plastic crisis and dependence on fossil fuels.
In a statement, Greenpeace emphasized the need for Asean leaders to phase out single-use plastics and hold corporations responsible for environmental harm.
Authorities escorted the protesters to Lapu-Lapu City Police Station 2 following their demonstration.
Our activists are currently at the Lapu-Lapu Police Station 2 and have not been permitted to leave.
Greenpeace Southeast Asia
Greenpeace criticized the police for suppressing the activists' message instead of engaging with their concerns.
They stated that communities across Southeast Asia are already suffering from environmental issues, including landfill collapses and toxic pollution.
The protest took place as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other Asean leaders convened for discussions on regional stability and economic cooperation.
Security was heightened around the summit venues, with thousands of personnel deployed across Cebu and Mactan Island.
Local officials confirmed that a sector-based security system was in place to protect the summit and its attendees.
Greenpeace called on Asean leaders to prioritize environmental policies during the summit and demanded the release of the detained activists.
As of now, authorities have not released any details regarding potential charges against the protesters.