AFP illegally arrests human rights defender and 3 others in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental
On October 2, elements of the 62nd Infantry Batallion and Civilian Auxiliary Force and Geographical Unit (CAFGU) apprehended Wilmar Pongasi, Jovanie Bohol, Leoltran Trinidad, Juannie Obedas in Brgy. Montilla, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental.
Wilmar Pongasi is one of the convenor 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 conduct research onground following the series of human rights violations in Central Negros when they were held at a checkpoint.
In true AFP/PNP fashion, they planted firearms and explosives on the four farmers which they illegally arrested. The four are currently detained in Moises Padilla police jail.
According to Ka JB Regalado, spokesperson of Leonardo Panaligan Command, the the fascist troops of the Duterte regime have been stepping up its suppression campaign against the people as it continues to attack peasants and human rights defenders.
He added that 3 farmers from Brgy. Mabunga, Guihulngan City were tortured by elements of the 94th IBPA. Last 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 at the same day.
Ka Bayani Obrero, spokesperson of National Democratic Front – Negros, demands for the tyrant Duterte and his armed cohorts to stop targeting and attacking civilians.