Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 30) — Advocates of the LGBTQIA+ community stood up for actress Awra Briguela after she was arrested and reportedly heavily 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.
READ: Actress Awra Briguela arrested after brawl in Poblacion bar
But netizens and LGBTQIA+ advocates condemned the Makati police and called for justice for Awra, with the hashtag #JusticeForAwra still trending on Twitter as of writing.
They said the social media star was only protecting her friend from a group of men who allegedly tried to sexually harass her.
“People, usually men, accuse trans women of being threats to cis women,” queer advocate Mela Habijan wrote. “Yet, when trans women protect their cis women sisters from harassers (who are men), trans women end up getting all the punches and blows, leaving those abusive men free from harm…attempting to reverse the narrative to make them the victims.”
…attempting to reverse the narrative to make them the victims.
WE DEMAND JUSTICE FOR AWRA! We appeal to Makati PNP, SERVE REAL JUSTICE!
— Miss Mela Habijan (@missmelahabijan) June 30, 2023
LGBTQIA+ group Bahaghari released a statement to condemn what it deemed the “PNP’s (Philippine National Police) brutality and transphobia.”
Sa lahat ng naging sangkot sa gulo, tanging si Awra lang ang pinagtulungan ng mga pulis na posasan at isakay sa police vehicle.
Mariing kinukundena ng Bahaghari ang nangyari kay Awra Briguela at kanyang mga kaibigan, mula sa harassment hanggang sa brutal na pag-aresto kay Awra.
— 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,” the group said. “Sa lahat ng naging sangkot sa gulo, tanging si Awra lang ang pinagtulungan ng mga pulis na posasan at isakay sa police vehicle.”
[Translation: Awra’s violent arrest is a clear example of transphobia and police brutality. She stood up for her friend who was harassed. Of all those who were part of the commotion, the police only had a concentrated effort to cuff and bring Awra to the police vehicle.]
Bahaghari called for the immediate release of the 19-year-old “Ang Probinsiyano” actress and the dropping of all “false, trumped-up charges against her.”
The SPD said Awra was arrested for physical injuries, alarm and scandal, direct assault, and disobedience to a person in authority.
“We call for an impartial investigation so that the very people who harassed Awra’s friends in the first place would be brought forward to answer for their actions,” the group said.
Netizens also have been mentioning the username of Makati Mayor Abigail Binay on Twitter as they seek explanation from the local government.
“@Mayora_Abby what’s happening? Something frightening always comes up during Pride Month in this city,” drag queen Marina Summers wrote.
The excessive use of force was questionable. Based on the videos, Awra was unarmed. The heavy manhandling was unnecessary. Makati Poblacion is such a cruel place for queer people. @Mayora_Abby what’s happening? Something frightening always comes up during Pride Month in this city
— Marina Summers (@marinaxsummers) June 29, 2023
“Makati Police where is this energy to that guy who allegedly sexually harassed the girl Awra was trying to protect and defend? Takot na takot ba kayo sa mga [Are you scared of] queer people?” she added.
Matagal nang may history ng homophobia/transphobia ang Makati PNP. They used to profile transwomen out of spite. Not surprised.#JusticeForAwra pic.twitter.com/hEHLm0XiPS
— DeeDee Marié Holliday 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ (@DeeDeeMarieH) June 29, 2023
Advocates also highlighted the fact that the arrest happened during the celebration of Pride Month and how the SOGIESC Equality Bill is important.
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WE STAND WITH AWRA!
Justice for @AwraBriguelaaa and the victims of sexual harassment! Stop the attacks on women’s and LGBTQI rights!#StandWithAwra#JusticeForAllTransLives#DefundPNP#SafeSpacesNow#SOGIEEqualityNow https://t.co/Hv9KIQCn03
— CORAZON (@CorazonFilipina) June 29, 2023
“Makati PNP celebrated Pride Month by arresting a transwoman for defending her friends against sexual harassment. This is why we are pushing for SOGIESC Bill because persons of authority are the main perpetrators of violence against the LGBTQ+ community,” women’s group Gabriela said.
Makati PNP celebrated Pride Month by arresting a transwoman for defending her friends against sexual harassment.
This is why we are pushing for SOGIESC Bill — because persons of authority are the main perpetrators of violence against the LGBTQ+ community.#JusticeForAwra https://t.co/X26gPGPefh
— Gabriela Partylist (@GabrielaWomenPL) June 30, 2023
Awra’s case is a reminder to pass an anti-discrimination law. It is also a reminder of the government’s treatment of Filipinos who speak truth to power: from activists, to community organizers, to people like Awra confronting abuse.#StandWithAwra#SOGIEEqualityNow#PNPBulok
— Bahaghari (@Bahaghari_PH) June 29, 2023
Awra has yet to release a statement. She is still in police custody.
