STATEMENT ON THE CONVICTION OF FRANCE CASTRO, SATUR OCAMPO, AND 11 OTHERS OF ‘TALAINGOD 18’
by Dr Walden Bello, Amnesty International Philippines’ Most Distinguished Defender of Human Rights Awardee
I unequivocally condemn the decision of Davao-based RTC Branch 2 to convict France Castro, Satur Ocampo, and 11 others on trumped-up charges of ‘child abuse.’
I have personally bore witness to the deplorable conditions that indigenous people suffer in Mindanao, especially in the face of threats from paramilitary forces who serve at the behest of corrupt local officials and land-grabbing large business interests. Alamara, the particular group in question, has had a long-chronicled history of terrorizing lumads, harassing and killing local students and teachers under the guise of anti-communism.
When assessing the record of lumad treatment in the area, it is shameful that RTC Branch 2 would disregard the facts on the ground. On the balance of probabilities, it is far more likely that the ‘Talaingod 18’ were engaged in a brave mission to help save lumad children, not abuse them. This decision does nothing but cement the grip local paramilitary thugs have over the region.
I support the decision of France Castro (who is currently sitting as a representative in Congress), Satur Ocampo, and the others to appeal their decision. I likewise join ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights, Karapatan, Education International in calling for the immediate reversal of this conviction.#