Do not criminalize human rights advocacy – Bayan

DAVAO CITY – The trumped-up cases and other forms of harassments against progressive groups and advocates are “tantamount to the criminalization of humanitarian acts and human rights advocacy.”

This was raised by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan spokesperson Teddy Casiño in a press conference held here yesterday.

Casiño criticized the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the area for instigating the filing of charges against supporters of lumad communities whose residents are now seeking temporary refuge at Haran compound here due to alleged militarization in their villages.

The charges, Casiño added, “are meant to intimidate and vilify groups and individuals who provide support and refuge to lumad and peasant communities fleeing military operations.”

Around 700 lumads from the towns of Talaingod in Davao del Norte and San Fernando in Bukidnon are staying inside the Haran compound for more than three months now.

“Is giving sanctuary and support to internally displaced persons now considered kidnapping and human trafficking? Is helping a girl file charges against soldiers who allegedly raped her now considered child abuse?” he asked.

Earlier this month, Bayan Muna party-list representative Carlos Isagani Zarate and seven other individuals were charged with Serious Illegal Detention and Violation of Republic Act 7610 (Women and Children’s Protection Law by a 14-year-old girl and her mother from Talaingod town.

Last Monday, Zarate denied the accusations and branded the same as baseless. (Alexander D. Lopez)