BAYAN Muna Representative Carlos Isagani Zarate got irked after learning that his photo was included in the attachment of kidnapping and trafficking charges filed against people behind in the campaign to demilitarize Lumad schools in Davao Region.
“This is very malicious and the only purpose of this is to threaten,” Zarate said.
Several photos of activist, leaders of leftist group and even media practitioners were included in the attachment of the case file. Zarate was marked “A” in the attachment of the case.
He also said the official responsible for facilitating the case will be held liable.
Zarate added that “I know that the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit filed the case but it was military who facilitated it.”
Based on the logbook of the City Prosecution Office (CPO), the CIDG filed kidnapping and illegal detention, Republic Act 9298 or the trafficking in persons on May 12 against 16 individuals.
Respondents were identified as Mary Ann Sapar, Gabriela Southern Mindanao secretary general; Kharlo Manano, Salinlahi Alliance for Children secretary general; Rev. Jurie Jaime, Sheena Duazo, Hanimay Suazo, Ryan Lariba, Tony Salubre, Jimong Marciano, Jaja Necosia, Pedro Arnaldo, Kerlan Fanagel, Sr. Stella Matutina, Sr. Restita Miles, Isidro Andao, Riuz Valle and many John Does.
Zarate said those 16 individuals were facing charges because during the filing of case in the CPO the witnesses would identified them that they were involved in the illegal activities.
Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan, representative of the Gabriela Party List, earlier slammed government for unfair treatment of activists as the group is also campaigning to demilitarize Lumad schools in Davao Region and said that kidnapping and trafficking charges against advocates for child and IP rights “as vile harassment and persecution.”
“The CIDG specifically singled out activists involved in the campaign to demilitarize the Lumad schools,” Ilagan said.
The lawmaker cited that the respondents were accused of trafficking and kidnapping by helping Lumads to evacuate in Davao City.
Ilagan however, said that those acts “do not constitute trafficking or kidnapping. The charges filed are ridiculous and totally baseless.”
Ilagan also said the charges are meant to harass, scare and demoralize Lumad and child rights advocates who have effectively exposed the human rights and international humanitarian law violations committed by the AFP in Mindanao under Aquino’s counter-insurgency program Oplan Bayanihan.
Authorities have charged the senior officers and activists associated with Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) front groups with the forced evacuation of lumad (hill tribes) from their homes in the Davao area. Bayan Muna, Gabriela, and Salinlahi are all CPP fronts. Reps. Carlos Zarate and Luz Ilagan are long-time CPP senior-level activists.
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