‘Bongbong’ Marcos’ supporters in Macau detained, spend ‘20 hours in police station without food’

The police force is interviewing workers who were part of an unauthorised event where fliers bearing Marcos’ face and the Macau SAR symbol were handed out

The probe comes a month after another group in Macau organised a gathering to support VP Leni Robredo in the 2022 Philippine presidential election

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Philippine nationals in Macau gather to support Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jnr on November 7, 2021. Photo: Facebook

Published: 6:00pm, 11 Nov 2021Updated: 8:56pm, 11 Nov 2021

A group of Filipinos in Macau who staged a gathering on Sunday were invited for questioning at a police station after an unauthorised event to support Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jnr’s bid to become the next Philippine president.

According to the local Hoje Macau newspaper, the city’s police force invited 16 Philippine workers to be “assistants in the investigation” into the gathering in front of the St Paul Ruins and near Macau Tower. During the event, fliers printed with Marcos’ face and the Macau SAR symbol were distributed, and a banner with the same symbol was used.

The workers may face punishment for breaking several laws around public assembly and demonstrations; public gatherings in tourist spots without prior permission; and the misuse of the Macau SAR symbol for unofficial purposes. Penalties include jail terms of two years and fines of up to 20,000 pataca (US$2,500).

Filipinos in Macau gather to support Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jnr on November 7. Photo: Facebook

One of those staying at the police station appealed for help on Monday. “We have been here for 20 hours without food, without sleep, without baths,” he said.

A Filipino national in Macau familiar with the matter told This Week in Asia that several workers remained detained as of Thursday, not behind bars but in a room inside the police station.