Police in Manila arrested 20 peaceful LGBT+ protestors attending an LGBT+ Pride event and protesting the country’s new anti-terrorism bill.
Officers later charged the 20 under the Law on Reporting of Communicable Diseases and the Public Assembly Act. However Filipino human rights advocates point out these laws do not prohibit protests and rallies.
Moreover, the protestors were following social distancing guidelines and wearing masks. Speaking at the Mendiola Peace Arch, a local landmark, they said they were resisting ‘[President Rodrigo] Duterte’s tyranny’.
The LGBT+ group Bahaghari (‘Rainbow’) had organized the protest on Friday (26 June). In response, the police arrested 10 members of Bahaghari, eight from other groups, and two drivers.