The Department of Justice has dropped criminal charges filed against 15 human rights advocates for allegedly detaining some 700 lumad at an evacuation center in Davao City.
The DoJ overturned its earlier resolution approving the prosecution of the 15 for kidnapping and serious illegal detention.
The Justice Department instead reinstated the finding of the provincial prosecutor’s office that dismissed the case for lack of probable cause.
Manuel Quibod, lawyer of the 15 respondents, welcomed the development.
The case was earlier filed before the Davao Regional Trial Court, Branch 10, which has already issued the warrant for the arrest of the 15. But the arrest was put on hold due to the pending motion for reconsideration at the DoJ.
The 15 respondents were Rev. Jurie Jaime, Bayan Southern Mindanao Region secretary general Sheena Duazo, Karapatan SMR secretary general Hanimay Suazo, Ryan Laniba, Tony Salubre, Jimboy Maciano, Gabriela Davao secretary general Mary Ann Sapar, Jaja Encosio, Pedro Arnado, Pasaka SMR chairperson Kerlan Fanagel, Sr.
Stella Matutina, Sr. Restita Miles, Isidro Andao, Kharlo Manano, and Save Our Schools Network spokesperson Rius Valle.