MANILA — Actress and philanthropist Angel Locsin spoke up Thursday in defense of six jeepney drivers who were arrested in Caloocan after holding a protest amid the eased coronavirus lockdown.
Actress Angel Locsin called on the Caloocan City police to release the jeepney drivers who were arrested for holding a protest on Wednesday. ABS-CBN/George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News
Members of transport group PISTON were calling on the government to allow jeepney drivers to operate under the general community quarantine to have a source of income.
On Instagram, Locsin shared an ABS-CBN News headline about the jeepney drivers being detained until they post bail. They remained behind bars a day later on Thursday.
"Please," Locsin said, "if you cannot help them, let them go home."
"They just want food for their families. Maraming gutom. Sabihin na nating may natanggap pero hindi natin alam kung enough na ba yun para sa pamilya nila para mapilitan silang lumabas," she wrote.
In the ABS-CBN News report, Caloocan police chief Col. Dario Menor said the jeepney drivers received relief goods during the lockdown.
"Konting puso and consideration," Locsin said.
Since the onset of the pandemic in the country, Locsin has been a visible figure in campaigns to bring aid to frontline workers and vulnerable sectors.
Her most recent and ongoing initiative, Shop & Share, is meant to raise funds to purchase COVID-19 test kits specifically for underprivileged communities.