Mayor orders release of volunteers arrested for expressing free mass testing stance

Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro ordered the release of 10 individuals arrested during relief operations, stating they were exercising their right to free expression on Labor Day.

The arrested individuals, volunteers from Bayanihang Kusina, were reportedly carrying placards advocating for free mass testing.

Mayor Teodoro suggested the arresting police may have overreacted or misinterpreted the purpose of the placards.

Bayanihang Marikenyo and Marikiña condemned the arrests, questioning why those helping the community were treated as criminals.

The volunteer group has been operating community kitchens since March 14, providing meals to children and the elderly in 10 barangays.

Mayor Teodoro confirmed the volunteers had permission for their relief operations and were observing social distancing.

The placards' message of free mass testing aligns with the mayor's own initiatives, including the newly accredited Marikina Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory.

Marikina City began swabbing residents for COVID-19 after its molecular diagnostic laboratory received accreditation from the Department of Health.

The Marikina Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory has the capacity to test approximately 400 samples daily.

COVID-19 testing in Marikina City is free, with swabbing conducted in hospitals and at residents' homes.