Raps filed vs 7 Calamba protesters

LAGUNA, Philippines – Police yesterday filed charges against seven activists, including five students, who were arrested by the Presidential Security Group for holding a protest while President Aquino was giving his speech during the 150th birthday celebration of Dr. Jose Rizal in Calamba City last Sunday morning.

Charges of public disturbance were filed yesterday morning before the Calamba City prosecutor’s office against Anakpawis members Jeofrey Barreto, 32, and Rodel Badayor, 41, and University of Philippines-Los Baños students Catherine Gigante, 21; Michael Jason Mozo, 18; Bhen Aguilar, 21; Ynik Ante, 19; and Ruffa Solano, 19.

Wilrich Jeffrey Nieto, UPLB coordinator of the Kabataan party-list group, said Mozo celebrated his 18th birthday yesterday while under police detention.

Nieto said the students only wanted to bring their grievances to the President, particularly on the state of education in the country today.

Nieto said they would continue holding protests if their appeal for the release of the seven activists is dismissed.