Black Friday Protest disrupted by the Police; Dinky, Enteng arrested

From the PCIJ:

FOR FORMER Social Welfare Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman and online activist Vicente Romano, it was not quite a walk in the park. Two two were arrested by police early this evening for leading a “flash mob,” a group of about 30 people wearing black T-shirts that said, “Patalsikin na, now na.” They were released at about midnight to the custody of former President Corazon C. Aquino.

The group gathered at 6 p.m. at the Aristocrat Restaurant, right across the Baywalk on Roxas Boulevard. They had intended to march across the street to the nearby Rajah Solaiman Park to make the “thumbs down” sign and then disperse. This was the third time the anti-Arroyo Black and White Movement held its Black Friday protests, with small groups clad in black gathering in public places to stage quiet and symbolic protests.

Some commentators have found the flash mobs ridiculous, especially as the first protest was held at the Starbucks coffeeshop on ritzy Ayala Ave. The protests, however, were also a way to elude the current ban on rallies. Sure enough, the police soon wisened up. Policewomen arrested Soliman and Romano as they crossed over to the park and brought them to the nearby headquarters of the Western Police District, where they were charged with illegal assembly.

“They made a big boo-boo here,” said Black and White convenor Gerry Kaimo, an independent record producer and online activist. “It was a non-event. We were just doing what we have been doing the last three Fridays. We wear black, 20 to 30 people, and we hardly got any media attention. Now the media is covering it and following us wherever we go. It became a big issue.”

“They even have a SWAT team outside WPD,” said Kaimo, who was at the police headquarters. “There’s even an APC (armored personnel carrier) in the compound and there are policemen carrying high-powered guns. They’re beefing up security here. Across the street, there are 12 policemen with Armalites. Police don’t usually carry this kind of firepower. I don’t know what they were expecting.”

Since the state of emergency was proclaimed last month, the government has strictly enforced the ban on rallies. No demonstrations are allowed unless they have permits and so far, no permits have been granted.

What is the ARroyo admin afraid of? This gathering was a harmless, non-confrontational way of protesting Arroyo's illegitimacy. Around 20-30 people were there.

Here's how Helga of BnW describe the Black Friday Protest movement:

BLACK FRIDAY - A NEW FORM OF PROTEST

The Black Friday Protest Movement was launched by eLagda on March 1 to give professionals, students, businessmen, and other sectors a venue to express their protest against the continuing and escalating acts of repression of the GMA administration as manifested in its series of proclamations – CPR, EO 464, and PP 1017 – all designed to curtail basic rights and oppress the people. Even after PP1017 has been lifted, the repressive measures continue.

Patterned after the flash mob concept, the Black Friday Protest calls on people to gather at a designated time and place every Friday while wearing black as a symbol of protest. There will be no programs or speeches. Instead, people will be given specific instructions on what to do, and the whole exercise should last about 30 minutes at most. It’s safe, non-confrontational, and within the bounds of the law, even under a repressive one like PP 1017. The mere “flash” gathering of people is an expression of protest.

No speeches, no programs. People just gather around an area wearing black for 30 minutes at most, then lahat sila sabay sabay na magta-thumbs down before they disperse. It was supposed to be no-risk and non-confrontational. You can even bring your kids along pa nga eh.

Pero pati yung ganito pala, bawal na rin. Tsk tsk.

Sabi ni Ellen:

When the B&W Protest Movement was launched three weeks ago, I remember Enten Romano saying the flash mob concept is "safe, no-risk, non-confrontational and within the bounds of law."

Tapos, hinuli kayo!

Gloria Arroyo has made this country unsafe and hihg-rish for those who seek the truth.

She is crazy.

Indeed. The Arroyo admin is becoming paranoid and pathetic. And the police should be ashamed of themselves.

Photos here. and here.

Helga has a first hand report of what happened at the Baywalk Black Friday Protest.

As to what happened last night, Enteng and Dinky were released upon their own recognizance past midnight. they were charged in violation of BP880. Not only did we have a great legal team, but the presence of friends really made a difference. We were surprised at Mrs. Aquino's insistence on coming over, Dinky actually told her not to bother coming over. But she wasn't to be dissuaded, so she and Noynoy joined us. All of the other BnW convenors were either inside with us or outside, barred from entry to either WPD or night court.

We were a small group, 22 people. Fencesitter joined us, some were poli sci students, others were barkada. We had no banners, we didn't chant, as siRAULo claimed. We never got to actually stroll on Baywalk, the cops, more than 50 (may firetruck pa sila), blocked us at the entrance of Aristocrat as we were leaving. Grabe ang overkill.

Then Dinky, sensing the negotiations were going nowhere, said she'd walk alone and made her move with Enteng right behind her. The cops scurried to follow, we stuck right with them. When they reached the PED XING, the crosswalk, Enteng and Dinky waited for the light to change and stepped off the curb. Wham. They were abruptly picked up and hauled into the glass enclosed Precinct No. 9. From there we all went to WPD, where the cops dragged their heels till Mrs. Aquino arrived. Then it was off to night court and eventual release.

One of the best parts - as we exited the courthouse, there were around 40 wellwishers waiting, holding a candlelight vigil. Enteng and Dinky were greeted by cheers. We all broke into Bayan Ko, lighting candles that spelled out FREE. Now that was a rally! In front of the court, no less. But did the cops arrest us? No way, they were all in their patrol cars haulin' ass outta there.

Here's a idea from Tet:

Sane people anywhere in the Philippines wear black only on Fridays. (Be sure it is only plain black- with white letters on the lower portion which can be tucked in and out.) What say you?

good suggestion, tet.

o baka naman pati yung ganitong pagsuot ng itim every friday, bawal na rin, Mrs. Arroyo? lol.

UPDATE: Edwin Lacierda was there too. After reading his account, I just don't understand why the police did what they did. Baffling. I think Arroyo is overdoing it with this CPR thing.

More here from the BnW website: Capital of REpression

OFF TOPIc: Edwin is still waiting for Kiko Pangilinan to apologize for his role in the canvassing of the election returns.