“This illegal arrest validates that the Aquino administration is no different from the Arroyo regime that tolerates human rights abuses.” – Karapatan-Southern Tagalog
By RONALYN V. OLEA
Bulatlat.com
MANILA – Two members of the urban poor group Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap- Southern Tagalog (Kadamay-ST) were arrested by joint operatives of the police and military.
At around 5:30 p.m. of February 7, Evelyn Legaspi, 53, Kadamay regional council member, and Pastora Latagan, 33, staff of the group’s regional chapter, were apprehended by some 50 elements of the local police, 1st Infantry Battalion and 202nd Brigade of the Philippine Army in Baranggay Maitim, Bay, Laguna.
The two were earlier reported missing by Karapatan-Southern Tagalog. Both were found by relatives and colleagues the next day at the Camp Vicente Lim in Canlubang, Laguna, according to Glen Malabanan, secretary general of Karapatan regional chapter.
In a news release issued February 8, the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) claimed that the two are leaders of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the region. The CIDG said the two are facing charges of multiple attempted murder, multiple frustrated murder in connection with separate NPA raids in Quezon and Mindoro provinces.
Karapatan’s Malabanan decried the charges as trumped up. “We vehemently condemn this newest case of political persecution against progressive leaders,” said Malabanan. “This illegal arrest validates that the Aquino administration is no different from the Arroyo regime that tolerates human rights abuses.”
The CIDG said a warrant of arrest was issued by a court in Infanta, Quezon. The CIDG further said that its operatives have confiscated several subversive documents, 14 sticks of explosives, four blasting caps, and assorted medicines.
In a text message to Bulatlat.com, Malabanan said the arresting team did not present any warrant of arrest. Malabanan joined the relatives in the search for the two activists.
Malabanan said these are all planted evidence.
The arrest happened on the same day the 43 health workers were arrested in Morong, Rizal two years ago. Like the two activists, the Morong 43 health workers also said the authorities planted firearms and explosives that were used as evidence against them.
Malabanan said Southern Tagalog has been targeted by state security forces since the Arroyo administration. Of the 356 political prisoners in the country, 51 were from Southern Tagalog.
Under the Aquino administration, more than 70 activists have been arrested, most of them charged with common crimes, according to Karapatan. The Samahan ng Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detensyon at Aresto (Selda) and other human rights groups have slammed the filing of fabricated common crimes against activists.
“Instead of tracking down political leaders and activists, government efforts must focus on finding Jovito Palparan Jr., the mastermind behind the numerous cases of human rights violations in the country,” Malabanan said.
Retired general Palparan is facing charges of kidnapping and serious illegal detention in connection with the disappearance of University of the Philippines (UP) students Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeno. A P1-million bounty has been placed for his arrest but authorities have not located him more than 40 days since the issuance of a warrant of arrest.
