Ex-lawmaker held for quarantine breach posts bail

MANILA, Philippines — Former Anakpawis party-list representative Ariel Casilao and six other members of his group who were arrested on Sunday for allegedly violating quarantine rules in Norzagaray, Bulacan were freed on bail on Wednesday night.

Casilao posted bail of P30,000 for usurpation of authority.

Karl Mae San Juan, Robero Medel, Raymar Guaves, Tobi Estrada, Marlon Lester Gueta and Eriberto Peña Jr., who were charged with violation of Republic Act 11332 or the Bayanihan to Heal As One Act, inciting to sedition and usurpation of authority, paid P39,000 each.

The Anakpawis members claimed they were on their way to distribute relief goods in Barangay Bigte when they were arrested.

However, police said the suspects failed to show proof of exemption for their presence in the area.

Pamphlets, magazines and other documents with subversive content were allegedly recovered from the suspects.

“Now that they posted bail, we hope that they will not do it again dahil hindi naman tayo magdadalawang isip na dakpin silang muli,” Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said. 

Año said the Anakpawis members “exploited for malicious intent” the food pass given to them in a bid to organize mass gatherings. 

He ordered the Philippine National Police to be vigilant against unauthorized use of food passes.