Satur Ocampo seeks dismissal of child trafficking, kidnap raps

MANILA, Philippines — Former Bayan Muna representative Satur Ocampo yesterday sought the dismissal of the child trafficking and kidnapping charges filed against him following his arrest in Davao del Norte last November.

Ocampo appeared before the Department of Justice (DOJ) to submit his counter-affidavit.

He said the charges filed against him were a “clear case of political persecution.”

Ocampo said he was participating in a humanitarian activity organized by Save our Schools Network for indigenous peoples and students and teachers of the Salugpungan Ta Tanu Ingkanogon Community Learning Center upon invitation by National Solidarity Mission.

He said their team proceeded to a school in Sitio Dulyan after they received a call, supposedly from personnel of the 56th Infantry Battalion, forcing them out of the school.

Ocampo said he was in a van stopped at a checkpoint in Sitio Igang.

“I was not part of the group who met the students and teachers who were forced to leave the Salugpungan school,” the former lawmaker claimed.

Ocampo said that he did not see the students and teachers who were allegedly kidnapped until they met at the police station.

Police had earlier said Ocampo’s group was transporting the teachers and students, including 12 minors, from Sitio Igang in Barangay Palma Gil to Maco, Compostela Valley when they were intercepted.