MANILA, Philippines — Criminal charges are set to be filed against former Anakpawis Rep. Ariel Casilao and six other members of the leftist group for allegedly attempting to organize a mass gathering in the guise of distributing relief goods in Norzagaray, Bulacan.
Jonathan Malaya, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) spokesperson and Undersecretary for Plans, Public Affairs, and Communication, said on Monday that the group was able to pass through some checkpoints set up by the police by placing an unauthorized food pass in the windshield of their vehicle and by mentioning the name of Casilao.
“Nag name-drop pa sila ng ex-partylist congressman pero buti na lang nasabat sila sa isang checkpoint sa (They even mentioned the name of a former partylist congressman but fortunately they were flagged down in a checkpoint in) Bigte, Norzagaray, Bulacan,” he said in a statement.
Malaya said Casilao will be charged for usurpation of authority under Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code, while the six others who claimed to be relief volunteers will face charges for violation of the Bayanihan to Heal As One Act.
Pressed why Casilao was being charged for usurpation, Malaya said: “He misrepresented himself as an incumbent congressman when in fact he’s an ex-congressman. So that is clearly usurpation of authority.”
The six will be subjected to inquest proceedings for violation of Section 9, Art. 1132 (Non-cooperation of persons), Art. 151 (resistance and disobedience to a person in authority) of the Revised Penal Code in relation to IATF directive dated April 2, 2020, and other quarantine guidelines.
“We wish to remind Anakpawis that the virus cannot spread by itself. It has no legs. It is people that spread the virus. You give us no choice but to file charges against you. Wala po tayong special treatment kahit may congressman kayo (even if you have a congressman). Ang lahat ng pasaway, kakasuhan (All violators will face charges),” he added.
He assured that the members of Anakpawis will be given due process.
According to Malaya, investigation showed that the true purpose of the group’s travel outside Metro Manila was to conduct a mass gathering in the form of teach-in or propaganda work against the government since numerous tarpaulins, pamphlets, and “propaganda materials” were found inside the jeepney that carried them.
He explained that the group violated the general order to stay at home under the enhanced community quarantine being imposed in Luzon which was set up to curb the further spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
“Breaking the quarantine rules is breaking the law,” he said.
“By doing this obvious propaganda stunt, Anakpawis has placed the lives of the people of Bulacan at risk. Wala pong pinipili ang COVID-19. Mayaman man o mahirap (COVID-19 does not choose anyone, whether rich or poor),” added Malaya.