Aguirre vows to resolve criminal raps vs 15 human rights advocates

MANILA, Philippines (Philippines News Agency) — Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II has vowed to resolve as soon as possible the plea of 15 human rights advocates to dismiss the criminal case filed against them for kidnapping and serious illegal detention of about 700 Lumads at the Haran Evacuation Center in Davao City.

 

Accused Rev. Jurie Jaime, Bayan Southern Mindanao Region (SMR) Secretary General Sheena Duazo, Karapatan SMR Secretary General Hanimay Suazo, Ryan Laniba, Tony Salubre, Jimboy Maciano, Gabriela Davao Secretary General Mary Ann Sapar, Jaja Encosio, Pedro Arnado, Pasaka SMR Chairperson Kerlan Fanagel, Sr. Stella Matutina, Sr. Restita Miles, Isidro Andao, Kharlo Manano, and Save Our Schools (SOS) Network spokesperson Rius Valle have been charged before Davao City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 10 after the DOJ reversed the findings of the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.

 

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Atty. Manuel Quibod, legal counsel of the 15 respondents, said that they had filed a motion for reconsideration (MR) to reinstate the finding of the Provincial Prosecutor's Office that dismissed the case against the 15 respondents.

 

"Sec. Aguirre promised to resolve [the motion for reconsideration] at the earliest possible time," Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate said.

 

Zarate, along with the accused human rights workers met with Aguirre on Friday to discuss the case.

 

Davao City RTC Judge Retrina Fuentes issued the warrant for the arrest of the 15, but it was put on hold due to the pending MR before the DOJ.

 

The RTC said that the arrest warrants will be implemented by Aug. 1, 2016.

 

However, Quibod said that if there was still no action on their MR by end of July, they would ask for the extension of suspension of the implementation of the arrest warrant without opposition from the DOJ.