THE New People's Army/National Democratic Front (NPA/NDF) said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) illegally arrested a human rights defender and three others in Moises Padilla.
In a press statement, Ka JB Regalado, spokesperson of the Leonardo Panaligan Command of the New People’s Army–Central Negros, and Ka Bayani Obrero, spokesperson of the National Democratic Front–Negros, said the AFP and the Philippine National Police planted firearms and explosives on the four farmers which they illegally arrested. The four are currently detained at Moises Padilla police jail.
On October 2, elements of the 62nd Infantry Battalion and Civilian Auxiliary Force and Geographical Unit apprehended Wilmar Pongasi, Jovanie Bohol, Leoltran Trinidad, Juannie Obedas in Barangay Montilla, Moises Padilla.
Wilmar Pongasi is one of the convenors of Kabataan Para sa Karapatan–Negros (KPK-Negros). KPK is a network of young human rights defenders. He was accompanied by Jovanie Bohol, local peasant organizer who hails from Cebu, and two habal-habal drivers. The four were on their way to research on ground following the series of human rights violations in Central Negros when they were held at a checkpoint, the NPA/NDF-Negros said.
According to Ka JB Regalado, spokesperson of Leonardo Panaligan Command, the troops of President Rodrigo Duterte have been stepping up its suppression campaign against the people as it continues to attack peasants and human rights defenders.
He also alleged that three farmers from Barangay Mabunga, Guihulngan City were tortured by elements of the 94th Infantry Battalion.
On September 17, farmer Ernie Jacolbe was fired upon by operating troops of the 62nd IBPA. Another farmer, Gilbert Reyes, was also apprehended and beaten up on the same day, he added.
Obrero has demanded Duterte and his troops to stop targeting and attacking civilians.