Young Fil-Canadian activist arrested in anti-pipeline protest

Protesters were arrested at an action in front of the offices of financial institutions involved with TMX. Two protesters chained themselves to the door. (Photo: Youn Bert, Facebook)

A 21-year-old Filipino Canadian youth activist is calling for support for her upcoming trial in connection with recent protests against the TMX pipeline.

Fermina Laurel was arrested on Wednesday, April 14, her second after being arrested on March 3 in a peaceful protest and charged with “obstruction and mischief.”

Laurel was one of six defenders of indigenous and settler land, who were arrested in a lockdown to protest against the two Vancouver-based insurance companies: Liberty Mutual (999 W Hastings St.) and CHUBB (250 Howe St.).

These insurance companies are reported  to finance and provide insurance for  the controversial pipeline expansion.

A first-generation Filipino Canadian, the Philippine-born Fermina Laurel grew up in Cavite. A former Capilano University nursing student, she is of Ifugao and Bicolano roots. FACEBOOK

The  March blockade and sacred fire ceremony in Vancouver’s intersection of Clark Dr. and Hastings St. was to pray for and to demand the release of Ojibway Elder Stacy Gallagher (who had been sentenced to 90 days of prison). This action was called by Braided Warriors. Laurel, acting in solidarity with the protesters, also served as security for an Indigenous Elder.

Laurel complained of police “brutality” in an interview with Philippine Canadian News (PPCN.com). philippinecanadiannews.com

“My injuries and pain from the brutality was severe enough that I had to be taken by ambulance to Emergency,” she told PCN.Com.  “The cops kept slamming the paddy wagon door against my head. Open, close, open, close, and each time it hit my head.”

A first-generation Filipino Canadian, the Philippine-born Laurel grew up in Cavite. A former Capilano University nursing student, she is of Ifugao and Bicolano roots. She came to Canada at the age of seven, following her father. She was reunited with her  family shortly.

CALL FOR COURT SUPPORT

(Social-distancing and masks and face covering protocols in-effect)

*APRIL 30, Friday, 1 P.M. at the VPD on 2120 Cambie St. Vancouver

*MAY 4, 2021, Tuesday, 2 P.M. at Provincial Court, #307-222 Main St. Vancouver

*JULY 7, 2021, Wednesday, 1 P.M. at the VPD on 2120 Cambie St. Vancouver

*JULY 14, 2021, Wednesday, 2 P.M> at Provincial Court, #307-222 Main St. Vancouver