The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) strongly denounces the Marcos Jr. regime’s continued weaponization of Republic Act No. 10168, or the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act (TFPSA), to politically persecute human rights defenders and humanitarian workers. The recent filing of baseless terrorist financing charges against five activists from Cagayan Valley further exposes the government’s systematic efforts to silence dissent and criminalize activism.

Facing these fabricated charges are peasant leader Isabelo Adviento, Isabela peasant woman leader Cita Managuelod, MAKABAYAN Cagayan Valley coordinator Agnes Mesina, Karapatan human rights worker Jackie Valencia, and writer, photojournalist, and environmental activist Deo Montesclaros. These individuals have long been at the forefront of defending farmers’ rights, human rights, and environmental justice in the region. The KMP stands in full solidarity with them and calls for the immediate dismissal of these preposterous trumped-up charges.

The legal harassment of these activists is part of a broader trend of intensified repression, coinciding with the recent visit of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to the Philippines. The FATF, an international body that oversees anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures, met with government officials on January 20-21, 2025. In an apparent bid to showcase its compliance with FATF regulations, the Marcos Jr. regime has ramped up its filing of politically motivated cases against development workers and human rights defenders.

This latest wave of persecution follows a disturbing pattern of red-tagging, surveillance, and judicial harassment that these Cagayan Valley-based activists have endured since 2016. Prior to these charges, Isabelo Adviento was previously acquitted of trumped-up charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives in 2024. Despite his acquittal, authorities are now fabricating new allegations against him, claiming he and other activists provided support to the New People’s Army in 2017 and 2018 — baseless accusations designed to justify further repression.

At least 22 individuals nationwide are currently facing charges under RA 10168. The law has also been wielded against development organizations, including the Paghidaet sa Kauswagan Development Group (PDG), the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP) National Office, and the Amihan Federation of Peasant Women, among others. The targeting of these groups and individuals is a clear attempt to stifle humanitarian and peasant organizations advocating for the rights and welfare of marginalized communities.

“These deplorable acts in the name of the government’s counterinsurgency campaign are blatant violations of human rights and due process,” said KMP chairperson Danilo Ramos, himself a victim of red-tagging and surveillance. “The cases against Adviento and his fellow activists are built on fabricated intelligence reports and perjured testimonies from so-called witnesses. The intention is clear: to derail the crucial work of progressive organizations and silence those who dare to expose the failures and abuses of the Marcos Jr administration.”

KMP reiterates its demand for the junking of all trumped-up terrorism-related cases against activists and development workers. “We call on all democratic forces, civil society organizations, and the international community to condemn this escalating crackdown on human rights defenders. The Marcos Jr. regime must be held accountable for its relentless attacks on civil liberties and its blatant disregard for international humanitarian law.”

The Makabayan senatorial candidate added: “The continued use of terror laws to criminalize activism is a dangerous precedent that undermines the fundamental freedoms of all Filipinos. We must resist this systematic repression and stand in solidarity with those who dedicate their lives to the pursuit of justice, genuine democracy, and people-centered development.”

Junk the trumped-up charges! Defend human rights defenders! Stop the attacks against activists!