Charles Teves
The Pride March at Mendiola, Manila on Friday, saw at least 20 people arrested by the PNP for allegedly committing certain “violations” which were never specified.
It was reported that ten members of LGBTQIA+ rights group Bahaghari, 8 from other progressive groups, and two drivers who were at the protest are now detained at the Manila Police District with no official charges against them currently.
However, no violations occurred because the protesters were actually following protocols such as social distancing and wearing masks.
Supporters of the community and the protest were not pleased with how the police approached the event.
#FreePride20!!! https://t.co/rJkyol4ihJ
— nini (@janinegutierrez) June 26, 2020
For everyone who has ever said that we have disproportionately reacted to the Anti-Terrorism Bill, hindi po kami nakikibandwagon o nagpapadala sa "cute" graphics, may dahilan tayo para mangamba. #JUNKTERRORBILLNOW https://t.co/pjcvomBui6
— Samantha Lee (@givemesam) June 26, 2020
Peaceful protest violently dispersed. Fear of abuse is not a valid reason pala ha?? it’s already happening. Even without that fucking bill. They can’t just take people like that. THIS IS JUST A GLIMPSE. ‘Wag niyong ipagtanggol yang bill na yan. Ibasura!!! https://t.co/p7xiq5sVRX
— Kerwin King (@imkerwinking) June 26, 2020
https://twitter.com/vance_larena/status/1276421761056169984
Dahil ba cellphone “LANG” ang gamit? Mga ser, may tinatawag pong mobile journalism, cellphone na ang gamit ng mga journalist, hindi malalaking camera! #MoJo https://t.co/Q5aJYj1zX2
— Raffy Tima (@raffytima) June 26, 2020
'Tong PNP, nanghuhuli kasi bawal daw mass gathering kahit na nagprapractice naman ng social distancing. Pagkatapos, magsisiksikan sila at mga nagprotesta sa police car at sa precinct.
Ma'am san yung logic?
— Bea Cupin (@beacupin) June 26, 2020
Eto nga pala 'yung sinasabi ni Lucy Torres na "fear of abuse is not a valid reason to junk the terror bill" BULAG-BULAGAN school of governance talaga https://t.co/3ciCN85Axb
— Richard Bolisay (@richardbolisay) June 26, 2020
https://twitter.com/macoydubs1/status/1276389869875388417
https://twitter.com/macoydubs1/status/1276374463206928384
https://twitter.com/TheRainBro/status/1276359057004130304
I cannot believe the fucking police have the AUDACITY to arrest queer and allies on a Pride protest DURING Pride month. And y’all still think that the Philippines is the most accepting country towards LGBT+ people?????
I HATE THIS COUNTRY I CANT WAIT TO LEAVE THIS SHITHOLE
— Gigi (@gigiesguerra) June 26, 2020
What are their violations??? Or is this just plain bigotry against the LGBT community? Free them now, this is patently an illegal arrest! https://t.co/fRk1b3nJ1R
— Diane💗🌸 (@MaeDianeAzores) June 26, 2020
The "Quarantine Rules" (found in R.A. No. 11469, E.O. No. 112, and IATF Resol. No. 30) do not contain provisions on arrest and detention. Arresting protesters based on these rules is tantamount to a violation of their constitutional rights. #StopTheAttacks #ActivismIsNotTerrorism https://t.co/ILVBPp9Xrq
— Marky (@markytagala) June 26, 2020
Diyos ko naman! Bakit di masabi kung ano kaso? Ano na nangyayari? 😭🌈💪 https://t.co/uEfpDTDRi5
— John Lapus (@KorekKaJohn) June 26, 2020
The “Quarantine Rules” stated in R.A. No. 11469, E.O. No. 112, and IATF Resol. No. 30 however do not contain provisions on arrest and detention. Arresting protesters based on these rules is tantamount to a violation of their constitutional rights.
In addition, the police cited no violations while they arrested protesters.
Police told protesters that “Nasa batas iyan na bawal iyan” referring to the “violations” that they allegedly committed.
Human rights lawyers have stated earlier that the Bayanihan To Heal As One Act as well as the public health law, Republic Act No. 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases Act, do not prohibit rallies.
It was around 10 am on Friday when the group went from Morayta to the Mendiola Peace Arch to “resist Duterte’s tyranny.”
The protest was mainly to celebrate Pride month and oppose the controversial anti-terrorism bill. Bahaghari Spokesperson Rey Valmores-Salinas said they were just exercising their rights and that the event was entirely peaceful.
“Hinuli man kami ngayon, walang pandemiya, walang lockdown, at mas lalong walang mga pasistang baboy ang makapipigil ng pagsinag ng Bahaghari,” Salinas said while inside the police vehicle.
According to human rights group Karapatan, “Queers have the right to protest, speak out, and to take action against a draconian terror law that will impact on citizens’ rights.
“We call on PNP to #FreePride20! To all members of the LGBTQ community and our allies, your support is very important. Let us show them that Pride is not just about the colors that we wear, it is about our love, our solidarity for those who fight for our humanity,” said Karapatan secretary-general Cristina Palabay.
