Advocates of the LGBTQIA+ community stood up for actress Awra Briguela after she was arrested and reportedly manhandled by the Makati police following a scuffle in a bar in Poblacion, Makati, on Thursday.
The Southern Police District (SPD) made the arrest based on the account of Mark Christian Ravana, one of the complainants, who claimed Awra instigated a confrontation.
When police intervened, the SPD said the social media star became verbally abusive toward the officers and expressed disregard for their authority.
However, netizens and LGBTQIA+ activists slammed the Makati police and demanded justice for Briguela, with the hashtag #JusticeForAwra still trending on Twitter as of this writing.
They said the social media celebrity was merely trying to protect her buddy from a gang of males who were reportedly sexually harassing her.
The LGBTQIA+ organization Bahaghari issued a statement condemning the "PNP's (Philippine National Police) brutality and transphobia.
Bahaghari demanded the immediate release of the 19-year-old "Ang Probinsiyano" actress, as well as the dismissal of all "false, trumped-up charges against her.
STAND WITH AWRA BRIGUELA! CONDEMN THE PNP’s BRUTALITY AND TRANSPHOBIA IN MAKATI
— Bahaghari (@Bahaghari_PH) June 29, 2023
MALINAW NA HALIMBAWA NG TRANSPHOBIA AT POLICE BRUTALITY ang marahas na pagdukot kay Awra, na inaresto matapos tumindig para sa kaibigan niyang hinaharass. #StandWithAwra pic.twitter.com/Moqt5H1WvD
Briguela was detained for physical injuries, alarm and scandal, direct assault, and disobedience to a person in charge, according to the SPD.
Netizens have also started citing Makati Mayor Abigail Binay's Twitter handle as they demand clarification from the local government.pnp
Advocates also emphasized the significance of the SOGIESC Equality Bill and the fact that the arrest occurred during Pride Month.
