In a related development, the militant fisherfolk group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas, which joined the protesters, said: “We fight for our right to rally. Not even a threat from the police will stop us to gather in streets and air our sentiment against the repressive measures of the government such as the anti-terrorism bill.” At the same time, several celebrities joined rallyists during an online Independence Day protest calling on the government to defend the Philippines’ rights in the West Philippine Sea, as well as junking the anti-terrorism bill, which they said threatened freedom of speech. President Duterte should fulfill his campaign promise of defending the West Philippine Sea from Chinese incursion, actor Enchong Dee said.

Araja, R., & Casas, W. (2020, June 13). Protesters defy warning, hold ‘Grand Mañanita’ rally at UP. Manila Standard, pp. A1, A2.