Activist Arrested at DND Picket

BY JHONG DELA CRUZ and EMILY VITAL
Posted 4:55 p.m., Aug. 10, 2006

An activist nabbed at a picket at the Department of National Defense this morning complained of illegal arrest and being beaten up during interrogation by elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Jefferson Balistoy, 21, a staff of the Moro-Christian Peoples Alliance was arrested by some 10 members of the Philippine Marines after a brief confrontation in front of DND at a picket 10:30 a.m. led by the Kalipunan ng mga Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas (KAMP).  The group denounced the killings of indigenous peoples.  

Jefferson Balistoy, 21, was presented to the media at Camp Caringal after being arrested by the Marines in a picket by indigenous peoples Aug. 10. Beside him is Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño who came in support. PHOTO BY JHONG DELA CRUZ

A KAMP member, Reyson Guevarra Santos said the military arrested Balistoy for allegedly painting the wall of the AFP’s Gate 2 along EDSA.  The grafitti read, “AFP berdugo ng mga katutubo!”  (AFP butcher of indigenous peoples!) Transferred to Camp Caringal for filing of formal complaints, Balistoy told the media he was beaten up. “Pinagtatadyakan po ako, sinikmuraan at pinompiyang,” (I was kicked, punched in the stomach, and slapped on both ears) he said. He identified a certain Valdez as among the military who led his arrest.

Balistoy said the military was forcing him to admit that he is a high-ranking member of the New People’s Army. The army confiscated Balistoy’s Nokia 8210 cellphone and Nokia 5110 owned by a colleague.

Orly Marcellana, secretary general of KASAMA-Timog Katagalugan said that another P1,700 cash from a protester.

Balistoy, a native of Lanao del Norte, will face charges of malicious mischief resulting to damage of property and violation of Batas Pambansa 880 or illegal assembly.

Bayan Muna Representative Teodoro Casiño who responded to the militant’s plea for help maintained the military has violated Balistoy’s rights. “It is the police and not the military that should have arrested him,” he said.

At about 4 p.m., Balistoy has undergone inquest, and is set to be released after posting bail. “We will definitely force the police to release within the day,” Casiño said.

About 50 members of indigenous peoples groups trooped to DND to protest what they called “butchering of indigenous leaders and advocates.” They held a cursing ritual called talbeg.

Data gathered by KAMP showed three indigenous leaders have been recently killed, including Alyce Omengan-Claver, a Kankana-ey and wife of Dr. Chandu Claver; Charlie Daylo, an Aeta leader; and Kalinga peace pact holder Marcus Bangit.

Meanwhile, Nelson Mallari, secretary general of Central Luzon Aeta Association said three Aetas were believed to have been abducted by the military in Barangay Batwan and Cawag in Zambales on August 8 and 7, respectively.

Tomorrow, about 100 families from various indigenous groups are set to march to Mendiola to conclude their observation of the Indigenous Peoples Week. Bulatlat