Rally for Tiamzons disrupts QC court operations

MANILA, Philippines—Militant groups disrupted operations of the Quezon City Hall of Justice on Tuesday, October 21, when they massed in front of the building to demand the release of alleged Communist Party of the Philippines leaders Benito and Wilma Tiamzon and other political prisoners.

Hundreds of activists composed mostly of farmers trooped to the main entrance of the hall of justice to picket while the Tiamzons attended their pre-trial hearing inside the building. 

The rally caused the delay of other court hearings inside the hall due to the number of militants in front of the building. Lawyers and attendees of other hearings were barred from entering the building to prevent activists from barging into the doors.

Court hearings were eventually suspended due to the rally.

Local police secured the perimeter of the hall of justice to secure the Tiamzons but as the couple waited at the side entrance for the police van that will take them back to Camp Crame, their supporters started to march towards the gate, instigating a brief clash between the police and militants.

The Tiamzons, who are facing charges of kidnapping and serious illegal detention of military officers in 1988, held their fists up high and smiled in response to the display of support.