‘Talaingod 13’ files notice of conviction appeal

Former representative Satur Ocampo and ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro —photo from the House of Representatives FB page

MANILA, Philippines — The so-called “Talaingod 13,” led by former lawmaker Satur Ocampo and ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro, had given their notice of appeal before the Davao regional trial court that convicted them of child abuse in connection with a 2018 rescue mission for lumad students and teachers in the southern province.

In a five-page submission filed on July 22, Ocampo and Castro notified the Tagum Regional Trial Court Branch 2 that they would appeal its July 3 decision to convict them before the Court of Appeals.

Also convicted were Eugenia Nolasco, Jesus Madamo, Meriro Poquita, Concepcion Ibarra, Jenevive Paraba, Nerhaya Talledo, Maricel Andagkit, Marcial Rendon, Marianie Aga, Nerfa Awing and Wingwing Daunsay.

Solidarity mission

All 13 were sentenced to four to six years and ordered to pay a fine of P20,000 for supposedly “exposing the minors to hazard” when they kept the students in their company and transported them on foot in the evening for three hours in the dark and without permission from their parents.

The 13 joined a solidarity mission to Talaingod in November 2018 in response to reports of a paramilitary group harassing local indigenous communities.