PAMALAKAYA official nabbed in Agusan Norte; group decries ‘illegal’ arrest

A leader of a fisherfolk group accused of killing some members of the Manobo tribe was nabbed in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte on Thursday evening, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Friday.

Authorities identified the suspect as Rogelio de Asis, chairman of the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA) in Caraga.

Police said De Asis is a member of the Regional White Area Committee under Regional United Front Committee of the New People's Army.

The operation against De Asis stemmed from the warrants of arrest for alleged violation of Section 6 (Other Crimes Against Humanity) of Republic Act 9851 otherwise known as Crimes against International Humanitarian Law, Genocides, and Other Crimes against Humanity and murder with no bail recommended, which were issued by Judge Edwin Malazarte of the 11th Judicial Region, RTC Branch 27, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur.

Police said De Asis is among the suspects in the killing of one Zaldy Acidillo Ybañez and a certain Datu Bernandino Astudillo, both members of the Manobo tribe.

According to the PNP, the two were former members of the New People's Army.

They were killed on March 19, 2020 at Sitio Inadan, Barangay Magroyong in San Miguel, Surigao del Sur.

Police said De Asis allegedly stabbed the victims multiple times using a bladed weapon. They said the victims were killed in order to discourage other rebels from leaving the communist group.

'Illegal' arrest

PAMALAKAYA, meanwhile, condemned De Asis' arrest, saying he was illegally arrested because of trumped-up charges.

The group said De Asis, who is their current national auditor, was even coordinating the arrest of activists in various police operations last week.

"We are angered by the massive crackdown being carried out in Mindanao. De Asis is an active coordinator of our regional chapter, advancing fishing rights and protection of coastal and marine resources," PAMALAKAYA said.

The group also called for De Asis' immediate release.

According to PNP spokesman Police Brigadier General Ildebrandi Usana, the group can file complaints as regards their claim of illegal arrest.

"Kung may ebidensiya po para sa kanilang paratang, mag-file na lang po sila sa mga kinauukulan," Usana said in a message. — RSJ, GMA News