Ex-Anakpawis solon, volunteers undergo inquest proceedings

Former Anakpawis party-list Representative Ariel Casilao and volunteers of the leftist group have undergone inquest proceedings on Monday for alleged violation of the guidelines of the enhanced community quarantine after the group's alleged "unauthorized" travel to Bulacan to bring relief goods.

According to the Norzagaray Police, Casilao and the volunteers had undergone e-inquest proceedings around 11 a.m. at the municipal police station where they are presently detained.

In a statement, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac said Casilao and the six Anakpawis members are facing complaints for alleged violations of Section 9 of Republic Act No. 11332; Executive Order No. 922; Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code (Disobedience); and Article 142 of the Revised Penal Code for conspiracy to commit sedition.

"It is terribly disturbing that this organization which styles itself as pro-people advocates of public welfare will rather promote its anti-government ideology at the expense of public health during this critical period of a national health crisis," Banac said.

"It is a matter of life or death that we need to make this quarantine work, but incidents of quarantine violation like this make containment efforts against the virus less effective and detrimental to public health," he added.

Meanwhile, Banac said Casilao is also facing complaints for alleged usurpation of authority under Article177 of the Revised Penal Code as he allegedly misrepresented himself as the party-list representative for Anakpawis.

"Casilao is not a member of the 18th Congress as he claimed himself to be when he tried to intercede on behalf of the arrested Anakpawis members," Banac said.

The six Anakpawis members were onboard a jeepney when it was flagged down by authorities in Barangay Bigte, Norzagaray. Police claimed the group had failed to show pertinent documents that will prove their relief operation is authorized.

"Upon visual inspection, the cargo contained anti-government flyers, printed materials and tarpaulins with suggestive slogans that promote the political ideology of Anakpawis, the electoral wing of the militant Kilusang Mayo Uno and Kilusang Mangbubukid ng Pilipinas," Banac said.

Meanwhile, the relief goods were still distributed to residents in the area. — RSJ, GMA News