The Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) condemned the Philippine National Police (PNP) for filing cases against a Bayan Muna organizer, their chairperson Elmer Labog and other individuals. Cases of direct assault and disobedience were filed against the said persons following the violent dispersal of their protest on November 30 in Mendiola, Manila.

On the day of the protest, the Manila police arrested Nilo Mortifero, a senior citizen and organizer of Bayan Muna. He was detained while walking on the side of the road to find a bathroom and to check on his health. Additionally, more than 40 protesters were physically assaulted and abused by the police with their batons and truncheons.

In its media statement, the PNP blamed the activists for the injuries and disturbances. The KMU plans to file counter-charges against those involved.

Meanwhile, members and leaders of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) and the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) visited Mortifero in the Ermita jail in Manila on December 5. They brought food and support not only to Mortifero, but also to the rest of the 54 detainees.

According to the UCCP, “his case is not separate from the situation of many political prisoners detained on fabricated charges—a situation that the UCCP continues to condemn. The church shared that their visit to the jail is part of strengthening the unity of the IFI and UCCP and their mission for justice.”