For former and current lawmakers of the Makabayan bloc, what they described as the unjust conviction of ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro, long-time activist and former Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo, and 12 others reveal how ineffective the country’s justice is.
If church workers were acquitted for their “ministry,” why can’t the Tagum court not grant the same for teachers and human rights defenders who rushed to assist Lumad children? A bishop of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines is asking.
By DEE AYROSO
“Talaingod 18 should be commended for their bravery, not punished for it.”
The case stemmed from a solidarity mission that was aimed to bring food and other essentials to Lumad students of the Salugpongan Ta’Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Center Inc. (STTICLC) and the Community Technical College of Southeastern Mindanao (CTCSM) that are based in the hinterlands of Talaingod.
The case against the Talaingod 18 is set for a decision on July 15 under Judge Jimmy Boco of Tagum City Regional Trial Court, Branch 2.
“I believe that this fight is not only against the Duterte administration but also a fight for a society where everyone has dignity.” — Carolina Malay, wife of Satur Ocampo