By JACINTO LINGATONG
Bulatlat.com
(UPDATED: Nov. 25, 2023; 1:11 pm) SANTA CRUZ, Laguna – A provincial prosecutor in Batangas dismissed the two charges against peasant organizer Ernesto Baez Jr., driver Jose Escobio, and companion Jonald Jabonero, citing lack of probable cause.
In a resolution dated Nov. 24, Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Edwin Mosura Culla said that rights have been violated over what appears to be an unreasonable search and seizure and highlighted the absence of evidence linking Baez Jr. to the Communist Party of the Philippines, the New People’s Army, and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines.
Escobio, Jabonero and Baez were arrested on Aug. 24 in Buhay na Sapa, San Juan, Batangas province. They were then charged with illegal possession of firearms and explosives.
Tanggol Batangan said the purported evidence presented by authorities against the three were planted in their vehicle.
The decision came after the Sta. Rosa Office of the City Prosecutor in Laguna dismissed cases filed by the 59th IBPA against human rights defender Hailey Pecayo.
Read: Court junks terror charges vs. Batangas rights defender for lack of evidence
Read: Community organizer, driver illegally arrested in Batangas
“This further exposes the AFP-PNP as institutions willing to suppress democratic aspirations through false charges,” said Hailey Pecayo, Tanggol Batangan spokesperson.
“The dismissals not only affirm the innocence of the victims but also shed light on the AFP-PNP’s allegedly corrupt practices,” Pecayo added.
The human rights group also highlighted that the arrest and detention has led to economic difficulties for their families, particularly for Escobio, who is their breadwinner.
Tanggol Batangan, for its part, emphasized the importance of mobilizing the people of Batangas and all Filipinos in seeking justice for victims of oppression.
The group also emphasized the important role of the courts in dismissing trumped-up cases.
“The call to action is clear: protect democracy and stand against state repression,” said Pecayo. (RTS, JJE, RVO) 
