Peasant human rights network Tanggol Magsasaka (Defend Farmers) and the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) strongly condemn the unjust and wrongful conviction of former Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo, ACT Teacher’s Party Rep. France Castro, and twelve others by Judge Jimmy Boco of the Regional Trial Court Branch 2 of Tagum, Davao del Norte.

The ruling promulgated this morning is related to the fabricated charge of child abuse against Ocampo, Castro, and several others who participated in a National Solidarity Mission (NSM) in Talaingod, Davao del Norte on November 28, 2018, in the course of their rescue of Lumad students and teachers of the Salugpungan Ta’Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Center, Inc. (Salugpongan) and the Community Technical College of Southeastern Mindanao (CTCSM).

The unjustified conviction pinning Rep. Castro, Ka Satur on the charge of child abuse “was not satisfactorily established by the witnesses already presented by the prosecution due to lack of their personal knowledge.” The Talaingod case exposes grave injustices against Lumad communities in Mindanao, including unjust charges, harassment, and ongoing threats. This unfair conviction perpetuates the cycle of state-sponsored violence and oppression carried out through the weaponization of laws and the NTF-ELCAC. In fact, former president Rodrigo Duterte who ordered the closure of Lumad schools and the bombing of Lumad communities in Mindanao during his presidency never had a day in court for his numerous crimes against Filipinos and violations of international humanitarian laws.

We stand with Rep. Castro, Ka Satur Ocampo, human rights defenders, and advocates of indigenous people’s rights who were victimized by this unfair justice system. Despite the escalating attacks, we vow to continue our support to the Lumads’ and indigenous people’s assertion of ancestral domain and right to self-determination ###

Hands off Ka Satur Ocampo!

Hands off Rep. France Castro!

Hands off human rights defenders!

Stop the attacks!