Filipino comedian Awra Briguela has been released from jail after posting bail on Saturday night, July 1st, according to a report by PNP Makati.
Briguela’s extended stay in the precinct, which had sparked controversies, finally came to an end.
Karen Bordador, an event host and content creator, shared her thoughts on the matter.
The controversy surrounding Briguela began with her arrest on June 28 after a brawl in a bar in Poblacion involving multiple individuals. Rumors circulated that the altercation took place because the men had disrespected and harassed Briguela’s friend.
The online community engaged in discussions, with many arguing that the individuals responsible for the alleged sexual harassment should be held accountable instead of solely focusing on Briguela.
Karen Bordador expressed sympathy for Briguela in her tweets, acknowledging the difficulties of being detained and hoping that Briguela’s case was bailable. She questioned why Briguela was receiving all the attention while the alleged harassers went unnoticed.
In one of her tweets, Bordador said, “Ang hirap madetain! Hopefully her case is bailable. How about yung nanghipo? Si Awra lang mapansin nila?!?!?”
She further stated, “She will come out of this stronger. Injustice sheds light on the need for change in this country. We cannot allow abuse of power by authorities.”
Ang hirap madetain! Hopefully her case is bailable. How about yung nanghipo? Si Awra lang mapansin nila?!?!?
She will come out of this stronger. Injustice sheds lights to us that change must happen in this country. We cannot allow abuse of power by authorities.
— Karen Bordador (@Karen_Bordador) June 29, 2023
Bordador also provided updates to concerned netizens, informing them that Briguela was in contact with her lawyer and mentioning that her family donates to the Makati jail. She expressed optimism that Briguela’s cases are bailable and that she will soon be released, assuring her of a strong support system.
Since my fam donates sa jail ng Makati Precinct constantly, we got to ask how Awra is. She was talking to her lawyer daw earlier. That’s all I know.Her cases should be bailable and hopefully be out soon. Best she comes out knowing she has many supporting her.🙏#IStandWithAwra
— Karen Bordador (@Karen_Bordador) June 30, 2023
According to the Southern Police District (SPD), Briguela could only post bail once her case is raffled in court, which was likely to happen the following week. The raffling process determines which court will handle the case. Fortunately, on July 1st, PNP Makati released Briguela on bail for Php 6,000.
Briguela is facing charges for physical injuries, alarm and scandal, disobedience to authority, and direct assault as a result of the reported altercation with the complainant Mark Christian Ravana.
Ravana’s allegations against Briguela have been disputed by her friend, content creator Zayla Nakajima. Nakajima, in a now-deleted Facebook post, claimed that Ravana had attempted to sexually harass her and that Briguela had come to their group’s defense.
However, on July 1st, CCTV footage from the bar on the day of the incident emerged online, seemingly showing Briguela instigating the altercation. With Briguela having been released, her side of the story is expected to be heard soon.