2 labor leaders arrested for leading protest amid ECQ

Two labor leaders from the Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP), Lito Rastica and Renaldo Dulay, were arrested on Labor Day for allegedly violating enhanced quarantine rules while leading a protest in Rodriguez, Rizal.

The protest involved a picket action near a subdivision in Barangay San Isidro where participants clamored for financial assistance amid the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac stated that while the PNP upholds freedom of expression, personal safety and public health must prevail during the ECQ.

Banac further explained that the strict enforcement of ECQ is the State's duty to protect the right to life of its people against those who violate it, potentially spreading the contagion.

Due to the holiday, the labor leaders cannot post bail and are expected to remain detained until their inquest proceedings on Monday, May 3.

Other BMP members and communities across the country held 'noise barrages' outside their homes to express their concerns, and women in Cavite protested their difficult living conditions.

The primary calls of workers this year during Labor Day protests focused on job security and improved social protection.