Let us continue to pray for former priest, now National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) peace consultant, Frank Fernandez. We received news that he and his wife Cleofe Lagtapon were convicted of illegal possession of firearms at Taguig City Regional Trial Court Branch 266. The lawyers will likely submit a motion for reconsideration.
As peace advocates, we continue to clamor that the golden years of Frank’s life would be better used in peace-work and dialogue, rather than have him languishing behind bars. This is especially so as his conviction is alleged to have been orchestrated using manufactured evidence, planted at the time of his arrest.
Frank’s defense team presented that he and his wife were already under custody hours before the alleged arrest, taken to and from the hospital, and were returned to the place of arrest for evidence photos.
Since the defendants were under medical treatment, we were surprised by this case and its verdict.
As a peace consultant of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines-NDFP peace process, we urge for respect of Frank’s Jasig (Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantee) protection as well as humanitarian considerations given his advanced age.
Let us pray the peace processes can resume so that genuine peace can take root in our country.