Some groups appealed to SC to guarantee human rights protection

Progressive groups have challenged the Supreme Court to take steps to ensure the safety of militant groups allegedly targets of red-tagging and killings because of what they are fighting for.

In a virtual forum organized by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, Karapatan, and other allied groups, the alleged reality of human rights in the country and what the Judiciary can do to ensure their rights were discussed.

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According to Bayan Secretary-General Renato Reyes, the situation is so serious now, and human rights abuses are being used where even legal means such as the issuance of search warrants to enter the homes of suspected members of the leftist group are being used.

Reyes added that their colleagues were not even notified that a case had already been filed in court and that the accused would only know when a warrant of arrest arrived.

He said the warrant uses the alleged fabricated cases, a reason to deny them their right to be included in the preliminary investigation.

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Some groups appealed to SC to guarantee human rights protection

“Sa ilang pagkakataon, nauuwi sa pagpatay (ang paghahain ng search warrants ), mayroong sinisilbihan ng search warrants na nauuwi sa extra-judicial killings. Lahat ng ito ay dapat may magagawa ang Supreme Court,” said Reyes.

Mags Camoral, the Bagong Alyasang Makabayan Laguna Chapter spokesperson, recounted his experience after being imprisoned on March 7 for illegal possession of firearms.

“Isinilbi ang search warrant madaling araw noong March 7, kung saan sapilitang pinasok ang aming temporary shelter sa Cabuyao, Laguna,” said Camoral.

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“Pinadapa ako at itinali kasama ng ibang staff at nag-search sila at nakita yung baril doon sa estante. Pinapirma ako na nagpapatunay na sa akin yung baril subalit nag-refuse ako dahil sabi ko hindi naman sa akin yung baril,” Camoral added.

Camoral was released on bail.

He called on the Court to dismiss the case against him and the others arrested on the so-called “Bloody Sunday” in March believing that the charges filed against them were fabricated.

The National Union of Peoples ’Lawyers (NUPL) has already submitted to the Supreme Court its recommendations to protect human rights.

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