Detained Kidapawan farmers released

The Municipal Trial Court of Kidapawan has already released all the farmers detained following the violent dispersal last April 1.

National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) Secretary General Atty. Edre Olalia said 76 were released early morning Saturday while Ruben Carlos Mangga and Ponciano de la Pena Paunil have been released Saturday afternoon.

A total of 79 individuals, mostly farmers have been detained and charged with direct assault. One of the accused bailed out much earlier.

“They will rest, settle down and consolidate, reunite with families and supporters get their judicial affidavits/testimonies and prepare for legal battles, both for the defensive and countercharges,” Olalia said.

The NUPL has been representing the farmers in collaboration with the Union of Peoples’ Lawyers in Mindanao (UPLM), Public Interest Law Center (PILC), local members from the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) and Public Attorneys Office (PAO).

Hearing on motion for reconsideration of denial of motion to quash is set on Apr 25, while the pre-trial of 3 accused of frustrated homicide is set on May 4.

The 79 individuals were arrested by the police after the farmers were violently dispersed last April 1 for blocking a national highway in Kidapawan. The farmers are calling the government to help them after their crops were destroyed by the drought. CDG

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