Health Alliance for Democracy (HEAD) condemns the filing of trumped-up charges by the Philippine National Police (PNP) against leaders of people’s organizations and senatorial candidates of Makabayan. We call for the dismissal of the charges and stop the state-sponsored harassment and repression.
Among those charged by PNP officers for alleged violation of the Public Assembly Act of 1995 or Batas Pambansa Blg 880 were nurses: Alliance of Health Workers Secretary General Cristy Donguines and former Filipino Nurses United Secretary General and Makabayan Senatorial Candidate Alyn Andamo. Also charged were incumbent Congresswomen – ACT-Teachers PartyList Representative France Castro and Gabriela Women’s Party Representative Arlene Brosas. Also charged was former Bayan Muna Representative Ferdinand Gaite.
PNP for so long has the notorious record of filing trumped-up charges against leaders and violently dispersing otherwise peaceful protest actions. PNP is maliciously using Marcos-era BP 880 for its previous trumped-up “illegal assembly” charges which, eventually were dismissed by the court.
Worse, in many documented experiences, PNP officers use their shields and truncheons to hurt protesters. Years back, PNP officers even callously arrested doctors and health workers providing first aid treatment to injured protesters. Under the administration of Marcos Jr, the harassment and repression continued and even worsen.
These must stop.
HEAD together with other people’s organizations will continue to stand up and fight for people’s rights amid state harassment and repression. We call on civil libertarians and human rights advocates not to allow the trampling of the people’s right to protest, freedom of assembly and other civil-political rights. #
