Actress and social media personality Awra Briguela is known for her infectious humor, charisma, and wit. But in a shocking turn of events, the young star was apprehended by police after a chaotic brawl that erupted in the vibrant district of Poblacion, leaving her fans and countless netizens bewildered.

Trigger warning: Mentions of sexual harassment and violence

What really happened?

Early Thursday morning yesterday, Awra Briguela was arrested by Makati police following a brawl outside the Bolthole Bar in Poblacion. The 19-year-old actress was taken into police custody for various offenses such as physical injuries, alarm and scandal, direct assault, and disobedience to a person in authority.

Reports say Briguela allegedly started a fight with a complainant named Mark Christian Ravana and his group. She reportedly followed Ravana outside the bar, demanding he remove his shirt. Police say that when Ravana refused, the Kapamilya actress “violently” ripped his shirt, which escalated into a heated altercation after Briguela’s friends joined in.

The Southern Police District (SFD) also claimed the actress was verbally harsh toward the officers and disregarded their authority.

Another side of the story

A now-deleted Instagram Story post by content creator Zayla Nakajima, currently circulating online, revealed another side of the story that led to the altercation involving Briguela. She said that while at the bar with Briguela and their other friends, a man sexually assaulted her on two separate occasions — groping her butt and chest. The man is reportedly Ravana.

“He is [a] full creep and [has] been roaming around the club, and every time he gets near to me, I avoid him, and that’s where I draw the line,” she said.

Nakajima also revealed that Briguela was only looking out for her friends. First, Briguela confronted Ravana “calmly”. Nakajima claims that Ravana became violent, and Briguela only fought back out of self-defense.

“This assault is never okay, knowing it’s Pride month, and we all just want to have fun.”

People come for Awra’s defense

Shortly after videos of Briguela’s arrest went viral, several LGBTQ+ organizations and personalities came forward for Awra’s defense.

“With only Awra being detained and the sexual harassers roaming unpunished, this is a testament that women and TGNC individuals are at greater risk, as they are demonized and are assumed of their worst in all situations,” The University of the Philippines Babaylan’s official statement reads.

Not-for-profit organization and volunteer-managed Metro Manila Pride also expressed support for the 19-year-old social media personality, saying, “We stand with Awra Briguela and promise to do all that we can to help seek justice.”

Riva Quenery, a YouTuber and close friend of Briguela, posted her statement on social media and said she felt sad for what happened.

“Saludo ako kay Awra at kilala ko s’ya bilang kaibigan na kaya ka n’yang ipaglaban. Pero bakit kung sino pa ang nasa katwiran, s’ya pa ang ikukulong?” Quenery wrote.

Netizens also say that Briguela’s arrest show’s that the Philippines isn’t accepting of LGBTQ+ individuals, and the system only benefits male privilege.

The Makati PNP gets called out

Netizens also didn’t waste a chance to call out the Makati PNP regarding the incident. Many were upset with how the whole situation was handled, including how Briguela’s mug shots spread online like wildfire. They also demand to see the faces of the sexual harassers treated in the same light.

In 2020, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) launched an investigation into the “Oplan X-Men,” which is an alleged profiling of transgender women, to save them from “exploitation and human trafficking.” The action comes after an incident of a transgender woman invited by the police to the headquarters for “profiling.”

“This is why we are pushing for SOGIESC Bill — because persons of authority are the main perpetrators of violence against the LGBTQ+ community,” Gabriela Partylist says in a tweet.

As of writing, Briguela hasn’t released an official statement yet. 

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