SERIOUS illegal detention and child abuse complaints were filed against eight members of different progressive groups and a party-list representative in relation to the situation of the lumad bakwits at UCCP Haran.
The people accused for illegal detention and violation of Republic Act 7610 are Bayan Muna representative Lawyer Carlos Isagani Zarate, Pasaka-SMR chair Kerlan Fanagel, tribal chieftain Datu Ginumao Andil, Bayan spokesperson Sheena Duazo, Tony Salubre, Joel Virador, Juno Marteen Vegas, and Malaya Genotiva.
In a complaint affidavit dated August 8 and executed by Nora Kulot Tacay, 30, of barangay Palma Gil, Sitio Nasilaban, Talaingod in Davao Del Norte, she claimed she and her daughter was brought to UCCP Haran on board a motorcycle on July 7 of this year to make proper complaints for the abuses made by the military against her daughter.
Tacay narrated in her affidavit that after a few days of staying at UCCP Haran, she and her family had decided to go back to their community since they were already uncomfortable at the evacuation center. Sge claimed the shelter is already congested with lumad bakwits and most of the children and elders were already sick.
Tacay claimed she repeatedly pleaded to the tribal chieftain Datu Ginumao Andil that they will return to their community but was not allowed to do so.
Tacay had also claimed in her affidavit that they were prevented to come near the fence of the said compound which was manned by guards armed with bolos and sticks who they called as marshalls. She also narrated that on July 23, government authorities came to rescue them but the accused ordered the indigenous people sheltering at Haran to prevent the rescue and even instigated the IPs to turn against the rescuing authorities which resulted into a clash.
A sworn statement by the daughter of Nora Tacay showed that she did not know the reason why she is in Davao City and stated that they were prevented to go home.
Zarate said "these (the charges filed against them) are clearly trumped-up charges and part of the continuing vilification campaign against those who support the legitimate cause of the lumad bakwits."