Tension breaks out between LGBTQ+ rights protesters, cops in Manila rally

Members of the LGBTQ+ community remove the barricade set up by the Manila Police District as they try to force their way to Mendiola Bridge during the first Stonewall Philippines protest on Thursday, June 26, 2025. The group highlights the campaign to pass the SOGIESC Equality Bill and other LGBTQ issues. DANNY PATA/ GMA Integrated News

Tension broke out between protesters and police officers on Thursday morning during a rally for LGTBQ+ rights along Recto Avenue in Manila.

The protesters were initially blocked by a yellow barricade set up by the Manila Police District as they marched to Mendiola Bridge. 

After removing the barricade, they faced off with a line of police officers who prevented them from going further.

The protesters are campaigning for the passage of the SOGIE Equality Bill as well as other issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community as the country celebrates Pride Month.

Because of the protest action, authorities closed both lanes of Recto Avenue between Loyola street and Mendiola in front of University of the East, Super Radyo dzBB’s Manny Vargas reported.

FLASH REPORT: Isang bahagi ng Recto Avenue, sarado sa mga sasakyan dahil sa rally ng miyembro ng LGBTQIA+ community. | via @VargasMannysen pic.twitter.com/fWppza6WFm

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) June 26, 2025

—Joahna Lei Casilao/AOL, GMA Integrated News