THE CENTRAL Student Council (CSC) on Saturday spoke out against the arrest of at least 20 lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer or questioning (LGBTQ+) members who held a protest on Mendiola Street in Manila.
In a statement, the CSC said the participants were arrested despite their observance of social distancing and other health protocols.
“This violent and unlawful arrest is a clear abuse of undignifying power against our LGBTQIA+ brothers and sisters,” the statement read.
Four of those arrested were Habagat Farrales, a media intern from Manila Today, Marquis Babalian and Gwyneth Pacyaya of Polytechnic University of the Philippines, and Rey Valmores-Salinas of Bahaghari National.
The CSC said the participants were arrested without being read their Miranda rights and being informed of their violations.
The police allegedly hijacked a demonstrator’s private vehicle to take them to the police station.
The CSC pointed out that the arrest of reporters who only covered the event violates press freedom.
The protesters were detained at Manila Police District Headquarters in Ermita.
CSC earlier on Saturday also released a statement condemning the “injustices and ruling prejudice” against people of color and LGBTQ+ community.
“As we battle against injustices, one thing is clear: police brutality is a universal language, all live matters until black lives do,” CSC said in a statement.
