Group suspends bail fund drive for Cebu 8

THE fund drive for the bail of seven activists and one bystander (called the "Cebu 8") arrested earlier for mass gathering was temporarily suspended on Saturday, June 6.

The legal team of the Cebu 8 said the monetary support they received in just two days was "overwhelming."

King Perez, media liaison of Cebu 8's legal team said the bail amounts for the detainees is yet to be determined by the investigating prosecutor, which will be stated in the information to be filed in court.

He said initial charges by the police include violations of Sec. 13, Batas Pambansa no. 880 which prohibits the holding of public assembly without having to secure first a written permit; violation of Sec. 9 (e) of RA No. 11332, and Simple Disobedience under paragraph 2 of Art. 151 of the Revised Penal Code.

"Other than posting bail, expenses such as court fees, transportation, food, processing and other necessary expenses shall be addressed until the resolution of the cases," a portion of their press statement on Sunday, June 7, said.

For security and confidentiality reasons, Perez, said it is prudent to maintain the non-disclosure of the amount raised and the respective donors.

He said the assigned team in gathering funds is currently auditing the amounts received from all donation channels since June 5, Friday, and the expenses incurred. The audited expenses will be posted for purposes of transparency.

Police arrested the following for mass gathering: Jaime Paglinawan of Bayan Central Visayas; Joahanna Veloso, 22, associate vice president of the National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP); Bern Canedo, 21, vice president of UP Cebu’s student council; Dyan Gumabao of Kabataan Party List; Nar Porlas of Anak Bayan UP Cebu; Janry Ubal, 29, of Food Not Bombs Cebu; Ai Ingking, 26, of the UP Alumnos; and Clement Ventic Corominos, 19. Police said the eight violated the general community quarantine (GCQ) guidelines.

"In light with the unprecedented proliferation of ghost Facebook accounts of persons who have vocally expressed their support to our detainees and dissent on anti-democratic policies that happened overnight, we encourage everyone to stay vigilant and careful at the same time as we continue to call for the immediate #ReleaseCebu8," they said./WBS