LOOK: Militant groups at Camp Crame decry arrest warrants against former lawmakers

Protestors from various groups demanded the government to take its hands off former lawmakers who were charged for the alleged murder of their critics in Palayan, Nueva Ecija. (All photos by Gabriel Pabico Lalu)

Leaders and members of different militant groups have staged a rally in front of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Headquarters at Camp Crame on Monday to protest the issuance of arrest warrants on some former lawmakers of the Makabayan bloc.

Bayan Muna, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), Anakpawis, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), Gabriela, Kadamay, and other groups have asked government to keep its hands off Satur Ocampo, Teddy Casiño, Liza Maza, Rafael Mariano and three others who were charged with the alleged murder of Bayan Muna critics in Nueva Ecija.

“We call on the Duterte government to respect the rights of Liza, Ka Paeng, Ka Satur, and Teddy. No harm must come to them, especially from quarters who wish to take advantage of this situation,” Bayan said in a statement.

“We demand the dropping of the cases against them,” KMP said in a separate statement.

Bayan Muna Chairman Neri Colmenares confirmed on Friday that a warrant of arrest was issued against the four former representatives by Judge Evelyn Turla of the Regional Trial Court Branch 40 of Palayan, Nueva Ecija.

During a prior press briefing, PNP Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said they have received the arrest order and appealed to the former government officials to surrender peacefully, and submit themselves to the judicial processes.   /vvp