WATCH: Anti-martial law protesters interrupt special session
(Updated 1:55 p.m.) The joint session of the Congress on the extension of martial law on Saturday was briefly interrupted after a small group of protesters chanted “Never again to martial law!” in the middle of an interpellation.
Carrying black and white banners bearing words “No to martial law,” around eight protesters heckled Defense Secretary and martial law administrator Delfin Lorenzana.
The protesters brought out the banners while Lorenzana was being interpellated by Makabayan lawmaker, ACT Teachers Representative Antonio Tinio.
The protesters were immediately escorted out of the session hall.
They were identified as Chad Booc and Kenneth Cadiang, Alternative Learning Center for Agriculture and Development (Alcadev) teachers and youth activists Renz Pasigpasigan, Vince Simon, Michael Joselo Villanueva, JP Rosos, Josi Mari Callueng, and Almira Abril.
The were also acknowledged as members of the National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP).
“The NUSP condemns the proposal of Malacañang to extend Martial Law in Mindanao until the end of the year, December 31. The request for extension is only an admission by the government that nothing has been achieved to solve the Marawi crisis in the 60-day span of the Martial Law,” said Mark Vincent Lim, NUSP National Spokesperson in a statement.
“This impending extension will continue to legitimize militarization and US military presence in Mindanao. It has done nothing but bring about the displacement, disappearances, rape, killings and other human rights violations to our Lumad and Moro brothers and sisters,” Lim added.
The arrested protesters were later taken to the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) headquarters in Camp Karingal.
