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Tension rises in protest action in Manila, some protesters arrested
By ANNA FELICIA BAJO, GMA NewsTension arose during the protest action held by members of the LGBT community in Mendiola, Manila on Friday.
Manila Police District (MPD) chief Police Brigadier General Rolando Miranda confirmed that some protesters have been arrested, however, he could not provide yet more details about the incident.
A Dobol B sa News TV report by Isa Umali said rallyists were arrested because of violating the quarantine protocols against holding mass gathering in this time of pandemic.
The rallyists were protesting against the controversial anti-terrorism bill.
In a phone interview, MPD General Assignment and Investigation Section chief Police Captain Arnold Echalar said at least 20 protesters have been arrested by police due to illegal assembly and violation of the prohibition of mass gathering amid the quarantine.
Netizens have been expressing disgust over the arrest of the protesters, claiming that cops could not answer as to what were the violations of the rallyists.
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Echalar also said the protesters have supposedly violated Art. 151 of the Revised Penal Code or the Disobedience to a Person in Authority.
According to Echalar, the arrest was triggered after one of the protesters sprayed a liquid substance at a cop.
"'Yung nagtrigger ng pagkakaaresto nila eh 'yung isa sa kanila eh inassault 'yung pulis natin. Inisprayan ng unknown na liquid, doon nagtrigger 'yung arestuhan... direct assault no," he said.
He said lawyers of the protesters are already in the headquarters for further investigation of the incident.
Police are also verifying the information that one of those arrested is actually an intern, Echalar said.—AOL, GMA News