Karapatan calls for immediate release of Lumad leader, others

MANILA, Philippines — Human rights watchdog Karapatan enjoined indigenous peoples rights activists in calling for the release of Lumad leader Michelle Campos and three others allegedly arrested early this March.

According to the group, Campos and her companions Alden Baguio, Jun Rey Misoles, and Rovelyn Acevido were seized in Barangay Das-agan, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, last March 6.

It said they are currently being held under “heavy military guard” at the Democrito O. Plaza Memorial Hospital in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, where they received treatment for various injuries.

READ: ‘Lumad’ leader among 6 slain in Bohol clash — AFP

But Karapatan noted that the whereabouts of another Lumad leader, Genasque Enriquez, who was reportedly arrested on March 2, are still unknown.

The group said a fact-finding and humanitarian mission dispatched by Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan (Katribu) and Karapatan from March 10 to 12 determined that Campos faces “at least seven trumped-up cases ranging from frustrated murder to murder.”

“All of the warrants for these cases were served on Campos after she had been at the hospital for five days already,” said Karapatan Secretary General Cristina Palabay, as quoted in a press release.

“No warrants were presented to her or her companions upon their arrest,” she added.

“Despite these cases already pending in civilian courts against Campos, she is still under military custody. The constant presence of soldiers and military agents nearby prevented members of the fact-finding and humanitarian mission from conducting a in-depth interview of Campos and her companions,” Palabay further said.

Palabay further said, “As long as they remain in the hands of the military, they could not speak freely and are vulnerable to harassment and torture.”

Furthermore, Palabay said that the other three arrested must be released as there were no pending cases against them. They were also arrested without a warrant, Karapatan said.

“As for Michelle Campos, the cases filed against her are all manufactured and meant to discredit her work as a passionate advocate of Lumad rights,” said Palabay.