The Filipino Nurses United vehemently condemns the filing of fabricated charges by the Philippine National Police against our fellow nurses who participated in the November 30 rally, held on Bonifacio Day, to highlight urgent labor concerns and health workers issues affecting both nurses and the Filipino people.
By merely exercising their fundamental rights to peaceful assembly, they were unjustly accused of violating BP 880, an outdated policy that continues to be weaponized to suppress legitimate and rightful public gatherings.
Among the accused are nurses, Alyn Andamo and Cristy Donguines. Both are recognized leaders in the nursing practice. Both are committed advocates for labor rights and public health.
Nurse Alyn is a senatorial candidate under the nationalist coalition MAKABAYAN and was the former secretary-general of the Filipino Nurses United.
Their solidarity with workers was precisely why they were at the people’s assembly. However, they were unjustly charged with “illegal assembly” by police forces, who should have been protecting their right to peaceful protest.
The police not only failed to ensure the safety and rights of Nurses Alyn and Cristy but also harassed them and applied undue force.
This conduct blatantly violates their basic right to peaceful assembly.
It is the police, not these nurses and the others accused, who should be held accountable for their unjust actions.
Trumped-up charges against Nurses Alyn Andamo and Cristy Donguines should be dropped.
Scrap Marcos-era BP 880, which has been repeatedly used as a tool for harassment and the unjust suppression of citizens’ basic rights to freedom of expression and right to assembly.
The FNU stands in solidarity with all who fight for labor rights and public health.
We will not allow these oppressive actions to silence the voices of those advocating for the welfare of nurses and the Filipino people. #
