PNP files charges against Lumad takers
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday officially filed a string of criminal charges that include kidnapping and child exploitation against seven people who were arrested and accused of recruiting and indoctrinating 19 Lumad minors during a raid at the University of San Carlos retreat house in Cebu City earlier this week.
Among those charged were two officials of the Manobo tribe, two teachers, and three adult Lumad students.
PNP spokesperson PBGen. Ildebrandi Usana said the accused were presented for Inquest proceedings before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office of Davao del Norte at the Hall of Justice, Capitol Site, Mankilam, Tagum City via video conferencing.
They were given 15 days to submit their counter-affidavit, after they manifested, through their counsel from the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL), to avail of preliminary investigation.
The case stemmed from complaints by six Ata Manobo parents of the rescued Lumad children who were herded in Talaingod Davao del Norte in 2018 and brought to Cebu City without their consent.
Meanwhile, several legislators from the House of Representatives called on PNP chief PGen. Debold Sinas to wield the ax on the policemen who conducted the “rescue.”
Deputy Speakers Michael Romero and Bienvenido Abante made the call as they demanded the immediate release of the students allegedly “rescued” by members of the Police Regional Office 7 (PRO-7).
During the press briefing, Romero presented the curriculum of the students, dismissing the assertions of police authorities that they are being recruited as future armed combatants.
Abante, on the other hand, called the operation illegal and unconstitutional as the students were arrested without a warrant and have not been informed of their legal rights.
The Manila lawmaker lamented that instead of helping the youth, it was like the uniformed personnel are provoking indigenous people to go against the government.
Nueva Ecija Rep. Ria Vergara also pointed out the clear abuse of authority manifested by the policemen in the video. And if they would be proven to have abused their authority, then they should be removed, she said.
Meanwhile, legislators from the House of Representatives called on PNP chief PGen. Debold Sinas to wield the ax on the policemen who conducted the alleged illegal operation.
“We look forward to this investigation. We would also encourage other congressmen and congresswoman to join this call of the Makabayan bloc and Deputy Speaker Romero and (ensure) that this won’t happen again,” she said.
Bayan Muna Rep. Eufemia Cullamat also denied the PRO-7’s claims that the students have been forced to leave their homes to join Lumad Bakwit School.
Moreover, Kabataan Rep. Sarah Elago condemned what she called a “highly questionable and irregular” police operation.
Aside from the members of the Makabayan bloc, more members of the House have signed House Resolution no. 1590, which seeks to condemn and conduct an investigation into the alleged raid in Lumad Bakwit School.
Among those who expressed their intent to be co-authors of the resolution were Quezon City Rep. Kit Belmonte, Marikina Rep. Stella Luz Quimbo and Surigao del Norte Rep. Ace Barbers.