MANILA – Raja Lynn Bausing, a 20-year-old trans woman, filed a complaint affidavit at the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on September 9 over alleged police harassment during a protest in front of the House of Representatives (HOR).

Bausing joined the protest on September 5, coinciding with the budget hearing of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

“Without warning, a police officer— whom I can describe as wearing a black cap, navy green hoodie, brown pants, and brown shoes— suddenly restrained me by choking me with both arms,” Bausing said in a complaint. 

She tried to de-escalate the situation as four police officers were dragging the individual with excessive force. She tried to encourage a peaceful dialogue with them.

“He violently dragged me across the pavement in an apparent attempt to isolate me from the crowd, despite the fact that I am not resisting,” Bausing said.

Several bruises and wounds have been discovered upon inspection of her injuries at the Quirino Memorial Medical Center. Bausing was able to flee because the local residents vocally objected to the officer’s violent treatment while the protesters encircled to protect her.

Bausing is a member of Sining Lila, an organization that engages in artistic expression to promote the rights of women and the LGBTQ+ community. In a statement, Sining Lila condemned the culture of police repression, stressing that the right to protest and free expression should never be silenced or denied through violence.

“For cultural workers, youth, women, and the LGBTQ+ community, this kind of brutality is a clear reflection of a repressive system designed to silence the people’s voices. But in the face of blatant corruption and the plunder of public funds, silence must never be an option,” Sining Lila said.

Despite the Marcos Jr. administration pouring over ?545 billion into 9,855 projects, massive flooding continues to ravage communities, leaving thousands of Filipinos questioning where the money and projects really went, while contractors and government personnel enjoy lavish lifestyles. 

The ongoing investigation implicated two major contractors — Sarah and Curlee Discaya — and more than 20 lawmakers and government officials in the growing flood control scandal. Protests continue to surge to call out corruption. (DAA)