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Release of educator who threatened Duterte an ‘initial victory’ –ACT


The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines on Tuesday celebrated an “initial victory” after a teacher, who was arrested for allegedly threatening President Rodrigo Duterte, was released.

“After eight long days of illegal detention, Teacher Ronnel Mas has finally been granted provisional liberty after the family posted bail and Branch 72 of the Regional Trial Court issued a release order,” said ACT.

In a statement, the teachers’ group said his release sent a message that “absolute power can be challenged by even the most ordinary Filipinos.”

ACT added that public support helped in pointing out the alleged government’s selective imposition of the law and in holding the state forces accountable for human rights violations and abuse of authority.

“Justice, however, is yet to be gained. The Duterte government shall answer for their blatant disregard of Teacher Ronnel’s rights and freedoms when the NBI coerced him into admission, presented to and humiliated him in front of the press, and illegally detained him for eight days,” ACT added.

“Our fight continues as long as state-funded censorship and attacks on free speech run rampant. Our fight continues until democracy is fully enjoyed by the Filipino people and justice favors the majority,” it added.

On May 12, the National Bureau of Investigation arrested Mas over his alleged post on Twitter offering a P50-million reward to anyone who could kill Duterte.  — DVM, GMA News

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