We welcome the decision of the Davao del Norte provincial prosecutor in ordering the release and dismissal of charges filed against the Lumad Bakwit School 7 who were arrested and detained following a police raid of the Lumad sanctuary at the University of San Carlos, Talamban campus in Cebu last February.
According to Davao del Norte Provincial Prosecutor Norman Solis, the charges lacked evidence and there’s no probable cause for further detaining them.
This development is proof of the innocence of the arrested individuals from the baseless allegations and red-tagging being peddled by the Duterte administration. In fact, the real culprits are the elements of the Cebu City police and the personnel of Department of Social Welfare and Development 7 who must be held accountable for inflicting harm and trauma against the 26 Lumad teachers, students and tribal leaders.
There’s nothing wrong in serving the Lumad communities, especially when such acts spouse the aspiration for genuine social change and the betterment of Filipino children’s future. Stand with the Lumad! Defend Bakwit Schools!