Negrense militant leaders slammed the arrest of Akbayan partylist Rep. Risa Hontiveros Baraquel and other women protestors in Manila yesterday saying it is proof of the continuing violation of democratic rights.

The police said the legislator was arrested for an unauthorized march headed toward Malacañang Palace.

Baraquel and Joshua Mata of the Alliance of Progressive Labor were arrested as police broke up their picket to celebrate International Women's Day at Mabuhay Rotonda in Quezon City at noon because they did not have a permit.

Mata said a policeman hit him on his back with a truncheon.

Nemesio Demafelis, Akbayan Bacolod chairman, said the arrest of Baraquel is proof of continued violation of the people's constitutional rights.

Ben Sollilapsi of Alab Katipunan said the arrest of the legislator shows that although the state of national emergency has been lifted by the president, it is still very much in effect.

Baraquel, who was later released, said she would file charges against the policemen who arrested her.

"Under the Revised Penal Code, this arrest is already in violation of parliamentary immunity," Baraquel said.

"It is not enough to say that women are ashamed of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Her draconian tactics betray her capacity to be the next Marcos," she said.*CPG

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