Netizens from various social media platforms have voiced their strong condemnation of the Makati police for their handling and subsequent arrest of TV and movie personality Awra Briguela. Currently detained at the Makati City Police headquarters, Awra’s legal counsel is working tirelessly to secure her bail and release. Twittizens have expressed their outrage over the alleged mistreatment of Awra, who was simply defending her friend from sexual harassment.
“One guy on Twitter named @SocialMediaGuru wrote, ‘The way the police apprehended Awra is unacceptable. She was just standing up for her friend. This is a clear abuse of power!'”
However, it’s important to remember that there are always two sides to a story. While the popular narrative portrays Awra as the defender, spreading like wildfire through the influence of social media personalities, we must consider the other version of events presented by the complainants. Mark Christian Ravana, accompanied by Angelo Nino Gulmatico, filed a complaint stating that Awra and her friends approached them at a bar, teasing Ravana to remove his shirt.
In the police report, Ravana explained, “Awra and her friends came up to us and started making fun of me, pressuring me to take off my shirt. It was a provocation that led to the altercation.”
Awra spent the night in the precinct after being apprehended by Makati City Police officers from the Southern Police District in the early hours of June 29 outside the Bolthole Bar in Poblacion, Makati City. She is facing charges of physical injuries, alarm and scandal, disobedience to authority, and direct assault.
A video captured the struggle and shouts of Awra as she was being handcuffed by the responding police officers, attempting to control the physical altercation between the two parties. The incident quickly became the topic of intense scrutiny and debate across social media platforms.
One concerned citizen, @JusticeAdvocate, expressed their frustration, stating, “The way Awra was treated by the police is appalling. Instead of addressing the issue of harassment, they focused on her. It’s a clear example of victim-blaming.”
Awra’s female friend, Zayla Nakajima, vehemently denied Ravana’s accusations and shared her own account of the incident. In a social media post, she detailed the alleged acts of harassment she endured. Zayla stated, “This guy made two creepy attempts at harassing me. First, he touched my bum and squeezed it while I was wearing a bra-top. Then, in an even more disturbing attempt, he tried to insert his hands inside my bra. He’s a total creep who has been lingering around the club, and every time he approached me, I would avoid him. That’s when I decided it was time to go home.”
According to Zayla, Awra confronted the man in a calm manner to defend them both. However, the altercation escalated into a physical fight. Zayla claimed that the man threw the first punch, and Awra retaliated to protect herself and her friend.
The incident garnered strong reactions on social media, with users divided in their opinions. While many expressed their support for Awra, demanding justice and fair treatment, others called for a thorough investigation before passing judgment.
https://twitter.com/liljingerine/status/1674396903126233088
Amidst the storm of opinions, it’s crucial to approach the incident with caution and let the legal process unfold. As Mark Christian Ravana is expected to return to the Makati City Police Headquarters for further investigation, the public remains attentive to the developments of the case.
The fervor surrounding Awra’s arrest and the ensuing debates demonstrate the significant influence of social media in shaping public opinion. While emotions run high, it is vital to seek the truth and ensure a fair and just resolution for all parties involved.
https://twitter.com/pauloMDtweets/status/1674569156417699845
The Daily Netizen 