NUPL ready to aid arrested anti-corruption protesters

The National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) on Sunday said it is prepared to assist protesters should they face charges or arrests during the November 30 anti-corruption demonstration.

“The quick reaction teams are ready in case someone is arrested,” said lawyer Kristina Conti, its National Capital Region secretary general, told GMA News Online.

“Kung peaceful protest at may lumabag, e di harapin ang kaso. Pero from what I know, people did not come here to cause disturbance,” she added.

(If it’s a peaceful protest and someone violates the rules, then let them face the charges. But from what I know, people did not come here to cause disturbance.)

Earlier in the day, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said three protest participants were taken to a police station and were warned for wearing balaclavas during the protest in Manila.

The Manila Public Information Office earlier announced that the city has implemented an anti-balaclava ordinance.

This local law prohibits the wearing of balaclavas, non-medical face masks, face-covering hoodies, and any headgear that conceals a person’s identity inside commercial or government buildings, as well as while on standby or after alighting from a motorcycle.

During the September 21 protest in Manila, police arrested 216 individuals—including 89 minors—while 95 police officers were injured in the ensuing clashes.—MCG, GMA Integrated News