Fishball Warrior Finally Freed After Arrest
ALVIN KARINGAL – The “fishball warrior” has been released after spending a week in detention following his arrest during a large anti-corruption protest in Manila on September 21. His lawyer, Atty. Maria Sol Taule, confirmed his release through a Facebook post on Tuesday, September 30, sharing a photo of Karingal raising his fist as a symbol of victory and resilience.
“Malaya na si Alvin matapos ang isang linggong ilegal na pagkakakulong,” Taule wrote in her post. She also echoed Karingal’s now-famous chant during the protest: “Ibaba pa rin ang presyo na kwek-kwek, fishball at kikiam!” — a call that resonated deeply with many Filipinos struggling with rising food costs and inflation.
Karingal first went viral after a video showed him passionately calling for lower street food prices during the rally. His simple yet powerful message quickly spread on social media, making him a symbol of the people’s frustration over the country’s economic challenges. However, shortly after the video gained attention, police arrested him and placed him in custody at the Manila Police District.
According to Taule, Karingal’s detention was unjust and a violation of his rights. She revealed that he has a mental health condition, which made his week-long stay behind bars especially difficult for him and his family. Taule recalled seeing Karingal’s mother in tears, pleading to bring her son’s medication while he was in custody.
Netizens quickly flooded Taule’s post with messages of support for Karingal, praising his courage and sincerity. Many expressed admiration for his fight for ordinary people, even if his cause seemed small at first. Comments included calls to free all political prisoners and strong condemnations of corruption and the country’s failing system.
While Karingal is now free, questions remain about the more than 200 other individuals reportedly arrested during the same protest. Taule and her fellow lawyers continue to work on confirming their status and pushing for their release.
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