MANILA, Philippines — Criminal charges have been filed against actor McNeal “Awra” Briguela following her arrest for allegedly engaging in a brawl outside a bar in Makati City on Thursday morning, an official said yesterday.
City police chief Col. Edward Cutiyog said police filed charges of alarm and scandal and disobedience of persons in authority against Briguela, 19, who uses the pronouns she and her, while Mark Christian Ravana filed a charge of physical injuries against the actor.
The “Ang Probinsyano” actor underwent inquest proceedings at the city prosecutor’s office, Cutiyog said.
Briguela remains in police custody as of press time.
Briguella allegedly asked Ravana to remove his shirt and started a fight with his group outside the Bolthole Bar in Poblacion when he refused, according to Cutiyog.
Ravana alleged that Briguela tore his shirt, sparking the brawl between her friends and Ravana’s group.
Cutiyog told The STAR that when police responded to the incident, Briguela reportedly cursed at the lawmen, prompting them to arrest and handcuff her.
In a now-deleted post, Briguela’s friend, content creator Zayla Nakajima, claimed that a man in the bar attempted to grope her and another friend.
Briguela had simply defended her and their group, Nakajima said, adding that the man threw the first punch, not the actor.
She said they will file a “strong case” against the person, whom she described as an “abuser.”
Actress Riva Quenery, a friend of Briguela’s who visited her in jail, said the actor told her what had happened and what caused the brawl.
She then questioned why Briguela was the only one arrested.
“Why was Awra the only one arrested? Where were the other men who were involved in the brawl? My friend was only explaining herself but I’m sure she will not hurt anyone in authority,” Quenery said in Filipino.
She called on the Makati police to investigate further.
“Where was the man who sexually harassed Awra’s friends? Where are the men who were in the brawl that even when police arrived, they did not stop?” Quenery said.
Cutiyog said none of Briguela’s companions have filed charges of sexual harassment so far, even when asked by police.
Briguela has yet to release an official statement on the incident.
“That’s how the law works. She was the one the police saw who was unruly,” Cutiyog said in Filipino.