Political prisoner in Compostela Valley freed after case dropped

DAVAO CITY – A political prisoner suffering from pneumonia and tuberculosis was released from detention in Compostela Valley following the dismissal of his case by a court on Thursday.

Human rights group Karapatan-Southern Mindanao said Reynante Malcampo was reunited with his family after a court decided to dismiss the charges of illegal possession of explosives against him.

Malcampo was arrested by soldiers in Pantukan town in Compostela Valley on February 9, 2012.

Local authorities claimed that Malcampo was a member of the New People’s Army and was in possession of explosives during his arrest.

Malcampo’s family and Karapatan said the accusations and the evidence against him were fabricated.

Karapatan-Southern Mindanao said local legal teams worked for the release of Malcampo. CDG