Protesters in ‘Anti Terror law’ rally freed

SAN PEDRO CITY –– The city prosecutor’s office in Cabuyao City, Laguna released for “further investigation” the eight activists arrested over the weekend for rallying against the newly-signed Anti Terror Act.

But Casey Cruz, one of the eight activists and spokesperson of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan in Southern Tagalog, on Tuesday, said they would demand that the charges filed against them be dropped.

City prosecutor Ramonito Delfin ordered the activists released late Monday, following the inquest proceedings.

The city police filed charges for violating Republic Act 11332 or the “Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act” and the Public Assembly Act of 1985.

The activists were also charged with resisting arrest and disobedience.

The rally was held in Barangay Pulo on Saturday afternoon, a day after President Duterte signed into law the controversial bill.

The police arrested 11 people but released three who are minors, for massing up near the village hall and violating the community quarantine meant to stop the spread of the coronavirus disease.

LZB