UCCP seeks immediate release of arrested pastor

MANILA, Philippines — The United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) called for the immediate release of one of their pastors, who was arrested in Camarines Sur province last week on murder charges for his supposed link to the New People’s Army (NPA).

UCCP’s Council of Bishops said the accusations against Rev. Dan San Andres Sr., and Jenelyn Nagrampa, were “pure lies and fabrication,” which were already refuted in December last year through their lawyers and witnesses.

San Andres also serves as chair of the Bicol chapter of human rights group Karapatan, while Nagrampa is a member of Gabriela Bicol.

The 61-year-old pastor was arrested in Sipocot town on Thursday, allegedly on double murder charges in relation to an alleged ambush by NPA rebels two years ago, where two soldiers were killed.

According to UCCP Sipocot members, San Andres was physically present and leading the Sunday worship in Church on May 13, 2018, the day of the alleged ambush, belying claims by the military that the pastor participated in the ambush.

—Jhesset O. Enano