
Three Filipino transgender women who were arrested by authorities in Bangkok, Thailand after getting involved in a riot with Thai transwomen finally returned to Manila on Friday, March 8.
The transwomen identified as Sabrina (birth name: Christian Castro), Erich (John Rich Miranda), and Carina (Andre Fuestes) arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 around 11:45 a.m. aboard Thai Airways flight TG620.
They were welcomed by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega.
The group's fourth companion remains in Bangkok for treatment after sustaining injuries.
"The fourth one, Jaymar or Ivy, who received the most injuries on the face and head, was the one who did not go home with them because [she is] still being treated there," de Vega said.
The Philippine Embassy in Thailand helped the group after getting involved in a brawl with Thai transwomen at a restaurant in Soi Sukhumvit 11, one of the busiest streets in Bangkok, last Monday night, March 4.
In an interview, Sabrina said that they were allegedly followed and bullied by the Thai transwomen.
"That's why it was too much so we actually fought back. We already blotted to the police [what occurred] there even before the trouble happened," Sabrina added.
De Vega said the statements of those involved in the brawl will be verified vis-a-vis CCTV videos.
The transwomen expressed gratitude to the DFA and the Philippine Embassy in Bangkok for assisting them, including the settlement of the fines imposed upon them by the Thai court up to their flight back to Manila.