Outrage Ensues as LGBTQIA+ Community Demands Justice for Awra
In a recent incident that sparked widespread outrage, Senator Raffy Tulfo stepped forward to dismiss a homophobic remark made by Makati Police Chief Edward Cutiyog against Awra Briguela, a popular actor and social media star.
The incident unfolded during a scuffle at a bar in Poblacion, where Awra was arrested following a physical altercation. However, it was Cutiyog’s derogatory comment that drew immediate attention.
When asked by Senator Tulfo about Awra’s motive, Cutiyog responded with an offensive statement, saying, “Eh alam mo naman, si Awra is gay. Gusto niyang makita ‘yung magandang katawan.” (Well, you know, Awra is gay. He wants to see a nice physique.)
However, Tulfo wasted no time in challenging Cutiyog’s statement, firmly stating, “Ay hindi, sir. Mali ka dyan, sir. Huwag gano’n. Palibhasa gay ay gusto agad makita ang katawan ng isang lalaki?” (No, sir. You’re mistaken. Don’t generalize like that. Just because someone is gay doesn’t mean they’re immediately interested in seeing a man’s body.)
Acknowledging that their investigation was solely based on the complainant’s narrative, Tulfo urged the police to consider Awra’s side of the story. “Dapat pakinggan mo rin ‘yung statement ng inirereklamo. Hindi po porke may sinabi po ‘yung complainant, bible truth na agad ‘yun, tatanggapin n’yo,” (You should also listen to the statement of the accused. Just because the complainant said something doesn’t mean it’s automatically true, and you have to accept it) Tulfo emphasized during his latest “Wanted sa Radyo” episode.
The Southern Police District (SPD) justified Awra’s arrest based on the account of Mark Christian Ravana, one of the complainants, who alleged that Awra instigated the confrontation. However, netizens and LGBTQIA+ advocates were quick to condemn the Makati police, demanding justice for Awra. The hashtag #JusticeForAwra trended on Twitter, highlighting the public’s support for the actor.
In response to the incident, LGBTQIA+ groups Bahaghari and University of the Philippines (UP) Bahaghari expressed their solidarity with Awra Briguela and condemned the authorities involved. They deemed the arrest as yet another example of police brutality and gender-based violence.
Videos circulating online captured the physical altercation between Awra and a group of men who allegedly harassed Awra’s female companions. Makati City police arrived at the scene to intervene, ultimately handcuffing a defiant Awra before placing them into a police vehicle.
Awra now faces multiple charges, including physical injuries, alarm and scandal, direct assault, and disobedience to a person in authority.
Bahaghari denounced the actions of the Makati police, considering it a clear case of police brutality and transphobia, particularly targeting Awra despite their efforts to protect their friends from harassment.
“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,” (Of all those involved in the altercation, only Awra was subjected to handcuffing and being placed in a police vehicle. Bahaghari strongly condemns what happened to Awra Briguela and their friends, from the harassment to the brutal arrest) the group stated in a passionate plea for justice.
Bahaghari demanded Awra’s immediate release, the dropping of all “false, trumped-up” charges against them, and the initiation of an impartial investigation to hold accountable those who harassed Awra and their companions.
As the public awaits further developments, the outcry for justice continues to grow louder, shedding light on the urgent need for accountability and fair treatment of individuals regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The Daily Netizen 