DAYS of bragging over its supposed policy embarking on the so-called maximum tolerance, cops arrested 51 activists who formed part of the protest rally coinciding with the President’s 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasan Pambansa in Quezon City.
In a statement, the Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR) assailed what they aptly referred to as a government effort to silence the poor and the working class.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) for its part claimed that the members of Hiphop United, Vandals United and Anakbayan Pasong Tamo were arrested over vandalism, obstruction of justice, malicious mischief, resistance and disobedience.
Interestingly, PNP spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co admitted that 12 of the 51 arrested activists are minors.
The group also took a swipe at the PNP for its refusal to grant human rights lawyers access to the arrested minors.
“The very public and forceful manner in which the arrests were carried out indicates an effort to stem public support for a protest against government corruption, joblessness, low wages and high prices,” the CTUHR added.
The group further claimed that the arrests violated the constitutional right to peacefully assemble and express grievances.
Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) secretary general Mong Palatino meanwhile claimed that the arrests were made in the middle of the protest despite police protocols and existing laws prohibiting such actions.
“They call it vandalism, our youth have every right to express protest through graffiti. The reported graffiti ‘Meralco sindikato’ is a message that reflects public outrage. We demand immediate release of the youth,” Palatino said.
“We condemn the underhanded and repressive actions of the police. They should arrest corrupt contractors and legislators, and not the youth who are merely expressing outrage against abuse of power and greed of big corporations,” he added.
Vandals United meanwhile urged the PNP to use handcuffs and batons to politicians and greedy businessmen.
“It is time for the handcuffs and batons of the police to be turned against politicians and the powerful. They are the real criminals—not Filipinos who are suffering and fighting for their rights.”
