TETCH TORRES-TUPAS/INQUIRER.net
Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Friday promised to resolve as soon as possible the appeal of 15 human rights advocates to dismiss the criminal cases filed against them for kidnapping and serious illegal detention of about 700 Lumads (indigenous peoples) at the Haran Evacuation Center in Davao City.
Accused Rev. Jurie Jaime, Bayan Southern Mindanao Region (SMR) secretary general Sheena Duazo, Karapatan SMR secretary general Hanimay Suazo, Ryan Laniba, Tony Salubre, Jimboy Maciano, Gabriela Davao secretary general Mary Ann Sapar, Jaja Encosio, Pedro Arnado, Pasaka SMR chairperson Kerlan Fanagel, Sr. Stella Matutina, Sr. Restita Miles, Isidro Andao, Kharlo Manano and Save Our Schools (SOS) Network spokesperson Rius Valle have been charged before Davao City Regional Trial Court Branch 10 after the Department of Justice (DOJ) reversed the findings of the Provincial Prosecutors Office.
Atty. Manuel Quibod said they have filed a motion for reconsideration to reinstate the finding of the Provincial Prosecutors Office that dismissed the case against the 15.
Bayan Muna Representative Carlos Isagani Zarate, along with the accused human rights workers, met with Aguirre on Friday to discuss the case.
“Sec. Aguirre promised to resolve [the motion for reconsideration] at the earliest possible time,” Zarate told reporters.
The Davao Court, through Judge Retrina Fuentes, issued the warrant for the arrest against the 15 but it was put on hold due to the pending motion for reconsideration at the DOJ.
The court said that the arrest warrants will be implemented by Aug. 1.
However, if there is still no action on their motion for reconsideration by end of July, Quibod said they will ask for the extension of suspension of the implementation of the arrest warrant without opposition from the DOJ. RAM/rga
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