IP LEADER RELEASED ON BAIL AS TRUMPED UP CASES VS PROGRESSIVE ORGANIZATIONS TREND IN CARAGA

Reference:  Naty Castro, Karapatan Caraga (09071009904)

23 August 2014

 

August 23, Surigao City – KATRIBU Partylist National Vice Chairperson and Kahugpungan sa mga Lumadnong Organisasyon sa Caraga (KASALO Caraga) Secretary General Genasque Enriquez was released after posting bail on three alleged frustrated murder charges before Judge Victor Canoy of the RTC Branch 29 in Surigao City at 11:45 am today.

 

After his arrest on August 22, concerned citizens and organizations immediately trooped to the Surigao City Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) office to ensure his safety.  Among the quick reaction teams to respond was the Sisters Association in Mindanao (SAMIN) led by Sr. Noemi Degala, SMSM and Sr. Stella Matutina, OSB.

 

His bail was posted with the assistance and immediate support of progressive grassroots organizations, church people and civil society organizations and institutions based in the Caraga region.  His arrest has also met with widespread protest among national and  international human rights and IP organizations that he has engaged with in his work.

 

“This is clearly another case of state harassment against progressive leaders and organizations to silence us amid the mounting public clamor for change.  What is dangerous is that 101 John Does have been included in the warrant that was used to arrest him ”, said Karapatan Secretary General Naty Castro.

 

Members of peasant organization, Unyon sa Mag-uuma sa Agusan del Norte – Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (UMAN – KMP) Armando Toreta and Eutiquio Bulat-ag were also arrested separately on trumped up murder charges and are still detained in Butuan City to date.

 

“These trumped up charges are trending in Caraga.  There have been names of civilians, leaders and members of progressive organizations, that were maliciously added on to criminal cases filed by the AFP in the civilian courts, connecting them with known NPA offensives.”, claried Castro.  “With utter disregard to due process, just like Genasque, they are not given the chance to respond to complaints at the investigation stage before these cases are filed and warrants of arrest are issued.”

 

“This is a disturbing trend to further curtail our civil liberties.  Human rights defenders like Genasque Enriquez are put at risk because of their public defense on the side of the poor and the powerless, who have only their people’s organization as a weapon against tyranny and abuse.  The Aquino Administration is no different from the previous Arroyo Regime in its total disregard for human rights and due process,” concluded Castro.#