AFP presents witnesses in 'mistaken identity' case

MANILA, Philippines - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday will present several witnesses before the Court of Appeals to prove that a person they arrested is a ranking officer of the New People's Army (NPA).

The prosecution witnesses will take the stand to prove that the suspect the military apprehended is Benjamin Mendoza and not security guard Rolly Panesa when the court proceedings on the writ of habeas corpus petition resume today at the appellate court around 10 a.m.

Meanwhile, rights group Karapatan will stage a protest action outside the court to call for the immediate release of Panesa from detention.

"Lies will fill the courtroom today," the group said, as the military presents the witnesses before the court.

The group insisted that the military mistakenly nabbed Panesa for a ranking communist rebel.

Mendoza was arrested by the military on Oct. 6 last year.

Days after his arrest, groups and relatives of the suspect came out. His supposed sister, Josie Panesa, had told the media that the suspect was indeed Rolly Panesa who has been working as a security guard since 1995.

Rights group Karapatan said that the real Mendoza is 61 years old and the suspect’s supposed sister says that he is only 48 years old. - Dennis Carcamo