Two witnesses supporting development workers recently charged with financing terrorism have come forward with claims of harassment and coercion in the hands of military agents in a press conference last July 3.

During the press conference, fisherfolk leader Joselito Macapobre said elements from the 15th IB summoned him last June 9, through the Barangay Kagawad of Brgy. Guiljungan, to discuss his submission of an affidavit in support of Paghidaet sa Kauswagan Development Group Inc (PDG Inc) staff who were accused of financing terrorism. He did not come for fear of being coerced to retract his affidavit.

He further narrated that on the next day, July 11, around 3 in the afternoon, three men forcibly entered their house while he was out selling fish. The men introduced themselves as “kaupod” (comrade) to Macapobre’s wife and asked where his whereabouts were.

The men also opened the bags inside their home, claiming to be in search of something Joselito left for them.

Neighbors of Joselito positively identified the three men as members of the 15th IB, as they had been seen prior within the vicinity of their house wearing military uniform.

Marvin Figuerora, peasant leader in Barangay Orong, also claimed to have been harassed at least three times by elements from the Philippine army. Figueroa also stands as a witness for the PDG staff accused of financing terrorism.

He adds that June 4, he received a call from a certain“Jason”, who introduced himself as a member of the Philippine Army.

The army officers want to talk to him “for his security” somewhere in nearby Ilog town. Marvin refused to meet them, unless it would be at the Barangay Hall of Barangay Orong, where local staff would have been present to witness them. Marvin also pressed them to give him identification cards, but the caller refused.

“They want me to disaffiliate and retract my support for PDG, which was instrumental in reclaiming our land in the Barangay,” said Marvin. 

Perla Jaleco, one of the four development workers facing charges of financing terrorism, narrated during the press conference that ever since they have received the subpoena and have filed the counter affidavit, surveillance has intensified.

During one of their relief missions for farmers affected by the El Nino last June, a white van was seen tailing them.

The most recent case was last July 2, where three motorcycles were on stand-by near her home, and were asking her neighbors when she leaves and arrives home.

“I can’t focus on my work because of the fear from the daily surveillance I receive,” said Jaleco.

The four development workers associated with PDG were charged with violating Section 8 of Republic Act 10168 or The Terrorism Financing Prevention And Suppression Act of 2012 (TFPSA).

The complaint was filed by PMSG Francisco John Dumdumaya, Deputized Anti-Money Laundering Council Financial Investigator and member of the Regional Intelligence Division of the Regional Police Office 6 of the Philippine National Police.

“It is evident that the vexatious litigation of financing terrorism is a creation of NTF ELCAC or its local counterpart that reflects the abusive and repressive regime of Marcos Jr,” Pete Pico of Human Rights Advocates Negros (HRAN) said in a statement.

“We call on the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to conduct moto propio investigations in these cases of rights violations,” he added.