Palace on raid of militant groups’ offices: It’s gov’t duty to probe ‘criminal’ acts

Malacañang on Thursday said the government is mandated to look into complaints about alleged criminal activities amid criticism over the arrest of activists in recent raids in Bacolod and Manila.

“The government policy is always to investigate complaints on criminal activities and if they have evidence, then they will take action,” presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said at a news conference.

Panelo added it was the job of the police to conduct surveillance “if they have basis” for it.

Last week, operatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Region VI, the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (ID), Joint Task Force-Negros, and Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCCPO) raided the offices of the Kilusang Mayo Uno, Gabriela Negros Center, and the Negros Federation of Sugar Workers (NFSW) in Bacolod City.

The operations were conducted on the strength of search warrants issued by the court for alleged violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

In Manila, authorities arrested Gabriela chairperson Cora Agovida and her partner Michael Bartolome for illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, and explosives.

Leftist group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan accused security forces of planting evidence during the raids in Bacolod. — BM, GMA News