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Janine Gutierrez, Vance Larena, other celebrities and netizens condemn PNP action towards Pride Protest

The protest was mainly to celebrate Pride month and oppose the controversial anti-terrorism bill.

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.

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.

Written by Charles Teves

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