By Dave Louie M. Blas
#NewsBites: Several advocates and members of the media were violently arrested by police officers during different mobilizations in line with the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit across the National Capital Region (NCR) earlier today, November 15.
The movements primarily condemn the upcoming visit of United States (U.S.) President Donald Trump to the Philippines during the summit and expected negotiations on the U.S.-led Pax Silica initiative in Tarlac, which threatens to displace thousands of farmers and Indigenous communities.
According to Karapatan, at least nine activists who gathered at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila were arrested, including members from Kilusang Mayo Uno, Alliance of Nationalist and Genuine Labor Organization, PISTON, Alliance of Concerned Teachers, Tambisan sa Sining, and Anakbayan.
Meanwhile, Lakbayan ng Timog Katagalugan reported that around 300 individuals were arrested at Sucat People’s Park in Muntinlupa City after being violently dispersed by the police as they were marching toward Liwasang Bonifacio, where other protesters were set to gather.
The Southern Tagalog group, made up of workers, farmers, Indigenous people, youth, and other sectors, had begun their movement last November 12, primarily to object to Trump’s visit to the country for the 49th ASEAN Summit, which officially opened today.
Among those arrested were at least 22 journalists, including student journalists from University of the Philippines - Los Baños (UPLB) Perspective, UPLB The Staple, UP Philippine Collegian, and City College of Calamba The Sentinel, and the College Editors Guild of the Philippines, who were covering the protest when police forces made the mass arrests.
The arrested individuals were brought to the NCR Police Office, Metro Manila District Jail, and Camp Bagong Diwa, where their lawyers and the Commission on Human Rights were denied communication with the detainees.
Protests are set to continue tomorrow, November 16, as groups intensify their calls against Trump’s visit and the U.S.-led Pax Silica hub, which critics warn will deepen imperialist influence and the exploitation of the country’s natural resources.
(Photo courtesy of Walter Bollozos/Philippine Star)