Kabataan Partylist seeks release of EDSA 40 rallyists

The alleged police brutality and unjust arrests committed against those who joined the 40th EDSA People Power anniversary rally were condemned by Kabataan Partylist, which called for the release of those who were nabbed.

The group said that while many were bruised by riot shields, two individuals were notably arrested: Edel Parducho, a human rights activist, and Three Odena, a youth activist.

They are allegedly being threatened with charges of direct assault, disobedience, resisting arrest, and violations of Batas Pambansa 880, or the Public Assembly Act.

"Binabaliktad na naman ng pulis ang kuwento. Huli sa video na marshall lang si Edel na pinoprotektahan ang mga nanay sa panunulak ng pulis at si Three ay kumukuha lang ng picture bago siya sinabunutan at arestuhin ng pulis. Dapat agad nang palayain ang mga inaresto," asserted Kabataan Rep. Atty. Renee Co.

"Consistent ang PNP sa pag-serve and protect ng interes ng iilan. Mula Mendiola hanggang EDSA, brutalidad ang hinaharap sa mamamayan, iga-gaslight ka pa na sila pa ang biktima," Rep. Co pointed out.

"Pinapatunayan nito na hanggang ngayon, buhay ang legasiya ng diktadura— Marcos noon, Marcos ngayon. Kaya mas lalong makatwiran na buhayin ang diwa ng EDSA sa araw-araw hanggang makamit ang tunay na demokrasya," called Rep. Co.

In the end, the PNP's allergic reaction to peaceful assembly—from the weaponization of permits to the use of unnecessary force to box in and block the protest march, as well as outright violence and arrests—has only caused major traffic jams and physical harm to defenseless civilians.

The group reiterated its call to hold accountable police personnel and officials involved in various incidents of police brutality against the constitutional right to assembly of the Filipino people.