(MANILA BULLETIN)
Karapatan, Kapatid, and Bayan Metro Manila were one in calling the attention of the SC, specifically over the actions of Quezon City Executive Judge Cecilyn Burgos-Villavert.
Police arrested six labor organizers and a journalist, collectively known as “Human Rights Day 7,” in Metro Manila last week based on the warrants issued by Villavert.
The HRD 7, composed of Dennise Velasco, Rodrigo Esparago, Romina Astudillo, Mark Ryan Cruz, Joel Demate, Jaymie Gregorio, and Lady Ann Salem have been charged for illegal possession of firearms and explosives.
“If there is one that can investigate the actions of Judge Villavert, it would be the Supreme Court,” Bayan Metro Manila chair Mong Palatino, noting that she is the same judge who issued warrants against activists either in Metro Manila or Negros.
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Groups appeal for international probe on ‘crackdown on activists’
December 14, 2020
Relatives and friends of the seven human rights defenders arrested on Dec. 10 call for the immediate release of their loved ones in a press conference, Dec. 14 at the Commission on Human Rights. (Photo by RVO/Bulatlat)Karapatan Secretary General Cristina Palabay said the domestic remedies are no longer enough, noting the trend of police “planting evidence” with impunity.
By RONALYN V. OLEA
MANILA – Colleagues of the seven human rights defenders arrested on Dec. 10 appealed to the international community to look into what they called as “crackdown on activists.”
PNP-CIDG maintains no irregularity in arrests of journo, 6 labor leaders inquirer.net - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from inquirer.net Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
natin.”
[Translation: If you look at the facts as presented through the media, the facts surrounding the arrests, they were not related to red-tagging. It would be stretching too far if we connect them.]
“They were arrested because of the pieces of evidence. Of course, we can speculate, consequence
ng (of) red-tagging,
pero (but) facts are facts,” he added.
Lady Ann Salem, editor of alternative media outfit Manila Today, as well as union organizer Dennise Velasco were both arrested on December 10, coinciding with the observance of the International Human Rights Day. Earlier this month, Amanda Echanis, daughter of slain peace consultant Randy Echanis, was also arrested in Cagayan.
Moratorium on politically motivated arrests sought mb.com.ph - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from mb.com.ph Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.