Local groups cry foul, campaign to free alleged rebels

CEBU, Philippines - Students groups, lawyers, and religious groups are initiating a signature campaign for the release of the three students from Cebu who were arrested in Negros Oriental for their alleged involvement with the New People’s Army.

Student leaders of cause-oriental groups have accused the military and police of illegally arresting and illegally detaining Carla Alvarico, 22; Carlo Cabahug, 22 and Glen Felamer, 22. The three were arrested in Zamboangita town last Sunday.

Leaders from the Anakbayan, Kabataang Party List, and Student Alliance for Nationalism and Democracy (STAND) said the three are not rebels.

Regletto Imbong, chair of Anakbayan-Cebu, told The FREEMAN they have organized the “Free Zamboangita – 3 Movement,” which will rally for the release of the three students. He said they are intending to bring the matter to Congress should the police and military not heed their call.

Imbong said a rally will be held at the Zamboangita Police Station today.

Renil Oliva, Regional Coordinator of Kabataan Partylist, called the military as “already desperate” to accomplish their mission to stop the insurgency problem in the country by 2010 that they tend to arrest just anyone.

The College Editors Guild of the Philippines and League of Filipino Students also joined in condemning the arrest.

“Concluding ila statement na mga rebel ang tulo namo ka-higala nga nadakpan. Kung member ka sa CEGP, automatic na diay nga member ka sa NPA? So kuyaw diay ug musuroy ta sa ato probinsiya as members of CEGP and other progressive organizations. Kuyaw diay kay dakpon lang ta ug kalit ‘nya pasanginlan nga NPA,” Oliva said.

Oliva denied allegations that their groups serve as front of the NPA.

“Amo sila gihagit mga leaders sa militar na mubalik sa ila Pol. Sci. (Political Science) 1 class nga mu-agi man g’yud ug due process. Dili mu-ingon dayon na guilty sila unless proven,” Oliva added. — Niña G. Sumacot/JMO   (FREEMAN NEWS)