Marikina City’s relief volunteers released from detention

MANILA, Philippines — Ten relief volunteers, who were arrested for alleged violation of enhanced community quarantine rules, were released from police custody on Saturday, the Marikina City government said.

“The 10 people apprehended while conducting a relief operation were released by the City Prosecutors’ Office this morning for further investigation,” said the Marikina Public Information Office in a statement.

The local government said Marikina City Police Director Col. Restituto Arcangel also confirmed the release of the individuals.

On Friday, Labor Day, 10 volunteers of the local government were arrested after policemen caught them distributing relief goods and carrying placards, which called for mass testing of patients for the novel coronavirus.

But Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro urged police officers to free the 10 volunteers, saying the individuals were just “exercising freedom of expression.”

INQUIRER.net has sought Arcangel for comment, but he has yet to respond, as of posting.