Filtered By: Topstories
News

CA junks activist dad’s plea to release his daughter Alexandrea from military custody


The Court of Appeals has dismissed the bid of the father of 23-year-old activist Alexandrea Pacalda from Quezon to have his daughter released due to lack of merit.

In a 28-page decision dated November 18, the CA junked Arnulfo Pacalda’s petition for the writ of habeas corpus against Philippine Army officials—a petition which means produce the body—since Alexandrea is already facing criminal charges.

“The petition praying for the release of Alexandrea from detention loses legal mooring and is rendered moot and academic by the subsequent informations filed against her before RTC Branch 96 of Catanauan Quezon in Criminal Case No. 19-0332-CAT and 19-0333-CAT,” the CA said.

“Thus, it becomes unnecessary to pass upon the other issues raised in the petition. Premises considered, the petition for habeas corpus is dismissed,” the CA added.

Alexandrea is facing charges for alleged violation of Republic Act 9516 or law on illegal/unlawful possession, manufacture, dealing in, acquisition or disposition of firearms, ammunition or explosives or instruments used in the manufacture of firearms, ammunition or explosives as well as Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

In his petition, Alexandrea’s father Arnulfo argued that his daughter was coerced to sign a certification saying she was voluntarily surrendering to the military since she is a member of the New People's Army.

In the same petition, Arturo also pointed out that his daughter—a volunteer for a local peasant organization in Quezon—was arrested without a warrant on September 14 this year, brought to a military camp, interrogated without a lawyer of her choice after sleep and food deprivation, psywar and mental torture.

The military had earlier claimed that Alexandrea voluntarily surrendered to them with a handgun on her.

Alexandrea, according to her father, has been in detention in 201st Brigade in Calauag, Quezon since September 14. — RSJ, GMA News

LOADING CONTENT