Scores of NDFP consultants were killed in police raids. The others were charged with common crimes to hide the political motive behind their arrest and detention and to portray them as ordinary criminals. Their lawyers have maintained that the evidence against them were planted.
By DEE AYROSO
“We need big mass actions to release our loved ones.”
Peasant organizer and NDFP consultant Leopoldo Caloza, 60, has been imprisoned for almost 11 years.
A 70-year-old woman who was arrested in Marikina City is the latest political detainee.
The CPP said Maria Conception Araneta-Bocala should have been immune from arrest as she is protected by the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (Jasig).
Local courts granted the urgent motions for release on bail of eight consultants of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).
“Their memory, knowledge and influence is valuable.”
Police Superintendent Herardo Hermosilla, head of the SOCO team, admitted before the court that his team did not do the digging of the alleged skeletal remains and that he does not know who did it.
“The NDFP is willing to give time for the GRP to effect the release of detained NDFP consultants.” — Luis Jalandoni
“Legalities, judicial processes should not be a hindrance but in fact should facilitate the peace negotiations because the peace negotiations have a higher objective.”