2 elderly activists nabbed in Iloilo 

MANILA, Philippines — Rights group Karapatan has denounced the arrest by police of two elderly activists in Pavia, Iloilo on Thursday.

Josephine Porquia, 64, and Luisa Guillen, 62, are detained at the Pavia police station.

Porquia was arrested supposedly for rebellion and illegal possession of explosives, while Guillen was collared  for obstruction of justice.

Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay urged the government to immediately release Porquia and Guillen, whom she said were arrested on fabricated charges.

Palabay said the arrest was unjust and cruel as it was carried out during the Lenten season.

“To carry them out during the Holy Week, when courts and offices operate on a limited capacity, effectively ensures illegal detention,” Palabay said in a statement.

Porquia is the widow of Jose Reynaldo Porquia, a community leader and coordinator of Bayan Muna party-list, who was killed in an alleged shootout with state security forces in April 2020.

Guillen is a member of Gabriela and active in advancing women’s rights in Iloilo.

“This injustice reflects the same betrayal and persecution symbolized during the Lenten season, with the government persecuting the people at the same time that they are reeling from the current crisis,” Palabay said.