The Manila Police District (MPD) formally approached the Manila Prosecutor’s Office in connection with a complaint against 20 LGBTQ members arrested yesterday at a rally in the city of Manila.
The arrests were held overnight at the MPD headquarters in UN Avenue, Manila before being subjected to inquest proceedings.
Several sectors have also condemned the action taken by the police while the group, led by Bahaghari and Gabriela, also observed social distancing and wearing face masks.
Among those who criticized the PNP’s move was former Miss Universe Catriona Magnayon-Gray, who defended the group’s pride march.
“Is this the new normal?” Part of the beauty queen’s question on her FB page. “If proper health guidelines were being followed, (social distancing, mask wearing) why the use of force? Why the withholding of rights (witnesses said they were not read their miranda rights before arrest nor given reason of arrest)? Videos circulating online confirm this. We have the right to raise our voice. Pride, since the beginning has been a protest. Now is the time to speak up. # FREEPRIDE20 # PRIDE2020 ” Meanwhile, some supporters have also launched a donation campaign to pay for the possible bail for freedom of the so-called Pride 20.
A lot of parties and personalities condemned that arrest of several participants telling that it was unjust and this issue sparked outrage online. Even Vice Ganda called out Mayor Isko Moreno to take immediate action about this.
Anu tooooooooo????? Pakiexplain po? Saklolo naman po dyan Yorme!!!! Sa aking pagkakaalam LGBTQIA+ friendly ang Maynila at si Yorme. Beke nemeenn!!! https://t.co/OiyPsZjX4e
— jose marie viceral (@vicegandako) June 26, 2020
