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A number of celebrities have condemned the arrest of 20 attendees of the peaceful Pride protest that took place last Friday, June 26.

It could be recalled that members of the LGBTQ+ rights group Bahaghari, along with other members of progressive groups and drivers, were arrested at the protest held in Mendiola, Manila, despite practicing social distancing and other health protocols.

Celebrities took to their social media to speak out against the happening, condemning the arrests made and called for the release of the peaceful protesters.

Kapamilya star Vice Ganda asked for clarification regarding the arrests of the rallyists, with videos circulating of the police not knowing the violations made by the latter.

"Anu tooooooooo????? Pakiexplain po?" the comedian-host said, before calling out Manila mayor Isko Moreno, reminding him of his statement that called Manila as an LGBTQ+ friendly city.

"Saklolo naman po dyan Yorme!!!! Sa aking pagkakaalam LGBTQIA+ friendly ang Maynila at si Yorme. Beke nemeenn!!!" he went on.

In another tweet, Vice reiterated his call for the mayor's help, now tagging him on the post.

As of writing, Mayor Isko has not made any statement regarding the incident.

Meanwhile, Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray took to her Instagram to condemn the arrests made in the midst of the "peaceful rally" while also questioning the use of force done by the law enforcement.

"We have the right to raise our voice," she said. "Pride, since the beginning has been a protest. Now is the time to speak up."

Quote retweeting a tweet from the Metro Manila Pride organization, musician-entrepreneur Saab Magalona questioned the police's move of arresting the rallyists without any proper reason stated.

"BAKIT??? Pwede bang mang-aresto nang walang rason? Hindi makatarungan!!" she said, using the hashtag #FreePride20.

Frankie Pangilinan kept in simple, tweeting "#FREEPRIDE20NOW."

Actress Janine Gutierrez did the same, while tweeting a link that aims to help the 20 arrested rallyists.

Spoken word artist Juan Miguel Severo retweeted a video of the arrest, while warning followers that this happened even without the Anti-Terrorism Bill not even signed.

"Partida. The terror bill hasn't been signed." he said.

In another tweet, he said "Fuck the police." while using the hashtag #SulongWagPatinag.

Actress-musician Chai Fonacier called for the immediate release of the 20 Pride protesters while questioning the government's intention of the incident.

"Tiring having to restart one's motivations & hopes every day. Today is one such day. W/ what's left of my reserves for today, I want 2 say: Let the Pride March Protesters go," she said. "We know they couldn't say what the charges were upon arrest. What is this government's intention, then?"

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