Ocampo, Castro released on 11.44-M bail, return to Manila
DAVAO CITY – Former Bayan Muna representative Satur Ocampo and ACT Teachers Representative France Castro, who were
among the Talaingod 18 charged with kidnapping, child abuse, and human trafficking, have returned to Manila after posting bail and being detained for four days.
Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said Ocampo and several others who have been accused of child abuse can now prepare for their defense after being released from police custody.
"Binibigyan sila ng due process. In fact binigyan sila ng bail eh, so palagay ko masyadong baseless yung akusasyon nila sa gobyerno [They are given due process. In fact, they were granted bail so I think the allegations against the government are baseless],” Panelo said in a radio interview.
Panelo maintained that the legal process should be allowed to take its course in the case of Ocampo and his group.
"Dahil naka-demanda na sila [Because they have been charged] they have the right to defend themselves, they are entitled to the presumption of innocence, kaya nga sila binigyan ng bail para makapag-prepare [they were given bail so they can prepare]," he said.
"Let the law run its course," he added.
Atty. Joel Mahinay, the group’s lawyer who is also a member of the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL), said on Sunday that Ocampo and Castro took the last flight more than two hours after their release from police custody and detention at 8:45 p.m. of December 1 after posting a bail of 11.44 million at 180,000 each for the 18 accused.
The 16 others who were released temporarily included Pastor Edgar Ugal, Pastor Eller A. Ordeza, Rev. Ryan C. Magpayo, Rev. Jurie Jaime, Meggie Nolasco, Jesus Modamo, Maryro Poquita, Maria Concepcion Ibarra, Jenveive Paraba, Merhaya Talledo, Maricel Andagkit, Marcial Rendon, Ariel Ansan, Mariane Aga, Nerfa Awing, and Wingwing Daunsay.
Mahinay said Ocampo and Castro were supposed to leave earlier had they been released by authorities immediately after the issuance of the release order at 7 p.m. by Judge Arlene L. Palabrica of the Regional Trial Court in Tagum City.
The release of the 18, or collectively known as Talaingod 18, was delayed after police officer and lawyer Louie Padillo manifested that they would not release the respondents because they are still undergoing preliminary investigation for kidnapping, failure to return the minors, and the bail of 180,000 was only for the violation of Republic Act 7610 also known as the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.
In her supplemental order, Judge Palabrica said: “We must rule in favor of the respondents. It must be borne in mind that the prosecution merely recommends bail, the Court has the final and ultimate say on it.”
“(As the) respondents are still presumed innocent and no information has been filed against them, their supreme right to liberty must be upheld,” she said.
He added that Ocampo’s camp is expected to file counter affidavits within 10 days starting November 29.
Mahinay questioned the arrest of the Talaingod 18 who went to Salugpongan Ta Tanu Igkanugon Community Learning Center (STTICLC) in Barangay Palma Gil, Talaingod, Davao del Norte on November 28 to “rescue” the minors and teachers from alleged harassments from paramilitary group Alamara.
Joint forces of the police and the military’s 56th Infantry Battalion blocked 75 individuals including members of the National Solidarity and Fact Finding Mission, 29 students and 12 teachers of the Salugpongan school, held the militant leaders and charged them with child abuse, kidnapping, and human trafficking on November 29 for transporting 14 minors without their parents’ consent.
“Is that a crime to give advice, to give some support?” he asked.
Earlier that day an indignation rally initiated by the Ata-Manobo Tribal Council headed by Datu Guibang Apuga, Datu Pugsing Bubunan and several others, and with more or less 250 indigenous people was conducted in front of Talaingod Municipal Police Station.
The group demanded for a total stoppage of Salugpungan Community Learning Center and condemned the presence of Satur Ocampo and his group and other left-leaning organizations.
They also demanded that the AtaManobo who are now at the UCCP Haran, Davao City should be allowed to return to their respective homes in Talaingod for they were forcefully prohibited by Ocampo’s group to get out of he premises of UCCP Haran. (With a report from Genalyn D. Kabiling)