The progressive workers’ organization Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) on Tuesday, May 7, announced the release of its six members, also known as the "Mayo Uno 6."
In a social media post, KMU posted the release of the six members which was arrested last May 1 during its protest against the ongoing Balikatan Exercises at the United States (US) Embassy.
"Makalipas ang isang linggo ng iligal at arbitraryong pagkapiit, pagkakait ng mga batayang pangangailangan tulad ng pagkain at tubig, at samu't saring delaying tactics upang lalo pang pahabain ang kanilang pagkabilanggo, makakauwi na ang Mayo Uno 6 sa kanilang mga pamilya," KMU penned.
(After a week of illegal and arbitrary detention, deprivation of necessities such as food and water, and various delaying tactics to prolong their imprisonment, the Mayo Uno 6 finally reunited with their families.)
The group emphasized in their statement that the six individuals who were arrested had been protesting peacefully for genuine freedom and against what they perceived as the United States' interference in the Philippines' economy, politics, and military affairs.
"The youth oppose further hardships and wars that will drag the Filipino people," KMU said in Filipino.
Meanwhile, according to the report, the Manila Police District (MPD) arrested six individuals on May 1, one of whom was female, during a disturbance on Kalaw Avenue.
They were allegedly attempting to approach the United States (US) Embassy to protest against the ongoing Balikatan Exercises.
READ:
https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/1/militant-groups-call-for-wage-hike-on-labor-day-protests
The progressive group Anakbayan, vocal in supporting the call of the KMU, expressed delight at the announcement and extended thanks to the people who contributed to the P252,000 bail.
"We remain steadfast in our position: there is nothing wrong with fighting! Protesting is not a crime, and it is only right to swiftly dismiss the fabricated cases against the Mayo Uno 6," KMU said.
The group also vowed that those who violated the rights of the Mayo Uno 6 will be held accountable.
"There are still many reasons to protest, and we will continue to protest as long as poverty, injustice, violence, and corruption persist in our country," the group stressed.