A FARMER leader and another member of an urban poor group in Bukidnon were arrested by the police in Valencia City, Bukidnon, early Wednesday, June 19.
The human rights group Karapatan-Northern Mindanao said in a statement that Jun Guinaonao, the provincial chairperson of Kasama-Bukidnon and Ronnie Estonzo, a member of Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) in Valencia City, were charged with obstruction of justice and were brought to the city’s police station.
The group said the two were extending assistance to the residents of Purok 6, whose houses were demolished by the Valencia police and the army’s 88th Infantry Battalion.
But, the police claimed while the court sheriff implemented the writ of demolition, the two allegedly blocked and disregarded the court’s order.
Kasama-Bukidnon is the provincial chapter of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas.
“These attacks against human rights defenders are further proof of the gross human rights violation under martial law in Mindanao,” the group said.
“On June 17, Kasama-Bukidnon member Nonoy Palma was fatally shot by unidentified men outside his house,” the group added.