Bayan Muna seeks probe on arrest of environment activist in Ilocos

The Bayan Muna party-list has filed a House resolution condemning and seeking investigation on the arrest of an environmental activist in Ilocos last December 12.

Sherwin De Vera, coordinator of Defend Ilocos, a network of environmental advocates in the Ilocos region, was arrested for rebellion by police while on his way home to Candon, Ilocos Sur, according to the group.

De Vera was on board a bus when it was flagged down by authorities at a checkpoint, the group added.

Under House Resolution no. 1572, Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate said there was an urgent need for the House leadership to “investigate the continuing harassment, vilification and filing of trumped-up charges against activists like Sherwin de Vera.”

“The arresting police officers failed to initially state the reason for the arrest but were only forced to do the same later after De Vera created a commotion. He was then dragged, handcuffed from the bus.  A copy of the case filed against de Vera with number 2014-155 and filed on Sept. 4, 2014, was shown to him only at the Police Station,” Zarate wrote.

According to Zarate, prior to De Vera’s arrest, he has already been subjected to harassment due to his human rights and environmental advocacies, as well as for being a coordinator of Bayan Muna.

In a press briefing on Tuesday, other progressive lawmakers also strongly condemned the arrest of De Vera.   /kga