Alvin Karingal, the man dubbed “Fishball Warrior,” has been released from police custody after he was arrested during the Sept. 21. anti-corruption rallies in Manila.
Alvin was among over 200 individuals who were nabbed by the police after violence reportedly broke out during the protest against corruption in relation to the alleged corruption in government infrastructure projects.
On Tuesday, Sept. 30, his legal counsel, human rights lawyer Atty. Maria Sol Taule, confirmed his release in a Facebook post.
“Malaya na si Alvin matapos ang isang linggong ilegal na pagkakakulong,” Saule posted.
She also echoed Alvin’s call to lower commodity prices and hold the corrupt accountable, writing in her caption: “Ibaba pa rin ang presyo ng kwek-kwek, fishball at kikiam! Ibaba ang presyo ng bilihin, itaas ang sahod, at panagutin ang mga kurakot at pasista!”
According to GMA News, Saule stated that the “undisclosed charges” filed against Karingal have been dropped as well.
Alvin went viral on social media after a video of him protesting cheaper prices for local street food such as fishball, kwek-kwek, tokneneng, and calamares, circulated online, gaining him the titles “Fishball Warrior” and “Tusok-tusok King.”
@colfurst Ibalik sa piso dalawa ang fishball🇵🇭🗣️ #lunetapark #ParaSaBayan #rally #Rally2025 #protesta ♬ original sound – Colfurst
In award-winning journalist Jessica Soho’s coverage of Alvin’s origins in “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho,” it was revealed that he was not a street food vendor, contrary to assumptions made by some netizens based on AI-generated photos.
According to Alvin’s mother, Marianne Karingal, he was merely fond of eating street food. She also revealed that her son was diagnosed with schizophrenia, a mental health condition, in 2018.
“Mahilig siyang makinig ng mga balita, mayroon po siyang pakialam sa bansa lalo na about corruption. Hirap din kami sa buhay, naso-short yung budget namin sa pagkain. Minsan wala kaming ulam,” Marianne shared with KMJS.
