Makabayan bloc seeks probe of trumped-up cases vs activists, peace consultants

The House Makabayan bloc on Thursday sought an inquiry into the supposed practice “planting of evidence and filing of trumped-up cases” against innocent individuals, particularly activists and peace consultants from the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

ACT Teachers Reps. Antonio Tinio and France Castro, Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate, Anakpawis Rep. Ariel Casilao, Gabriela Reps. Emmi de Jesus and Arlene Brosas, and Kabataan Rep. Sarah Elago filed House Resolution No. 2305 directing the House committees on human rights and peace, unity, and reconciliation to conduct a probe on the issue in aid of legislation.

The progressive lawmakers enumerated several cases of activists and peace consultants who fell prey to the said scheme.

They said these cases of “planted, manufactured, fabricated and bogus evidence are not only illegal and unjust” but “clearly designed by the militarist and hawks in the government to undermine the call for the resumption and continuation” of the peace talks between the communist group NDFP and the government.

The most recent case was the arrest of NDFP consultant Vicente Ladlad after police claimed they seized high-powered firearms, explosives, and ammunition from him and two others.

READ: PNP confirms arrest of NDFP consultant Vic Ladlad

They also cited the arrest of NDFP consultants Adelberto Silva and Rafael Baylosis, saying the “planting of supposed evidence… is now becoming the obvious pattern among security forces to unjustly charge the victims.”

This “dubious condemnable pattern,” was also used against activists and mass leaders like Marklen Maojo, Juan Alexander Reyes and Myles Albasin, Joemar Indico, Joey Vailoces, Bernard Guillen, Rander Hermino, Carlo Ybañez, dubbed as the “Mabinay 6.” /ee

Don’t miss out on the latest news and information.