79th IB hit for ‘trumped up' raps vs. militant leaders

From the Visayan Daily Star (Apr 27): 79th IB hit for ‘trumped up' raps vs. militant leaders

The Rachele Mae Palang Command in southeast Negros, the Philippine Army has claimed to be almost decimated, slammed the 79 th Infantry Battalion for filing what it calls “trumped up” murder charges against well-known leaders of progressive groups in Dumaguete City.

Rebel spokesperson, Ka Estrella Banagbanag, said in a statement he issued that the 79IB is clearly targeting the legal progressive mass movement that is at the forefront of the protests against the one-island, one region proposal of Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr.

Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo opposes the concept, saying it needs further study.
Banagbanag said cases filed by the military, including murder, rebellion, and illegal possession of firearms against Ricky de la Cruz, Fortunato Jamila, Marlyn Badayos, Danilo Badayos, Elisa Badayos, Oligario Sibas, Remuel Labrador, were all dismissed by the court.

“The real objective of the military in filing these cases has nothing to do with genuine judicial process. It is plain and simple harassment and propaganda”, Banagbanag said.
She also cited the case of Marilyn Badayos, whose rebellion cases were dismissed by the court, who was also dragged into a murder case in Bais City, Negros Oriental.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2015/April/27/negor1.htm