CHR probing ‘detention’ of Satur Ocampo, Rep. Castro

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Saturday said it has launched an investigation into the alleged detention of former Bayan Muna Representative Satur Ocampo and ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro in Talaingod, Davao Del Norte since Wednesday.

At a press conference in Quezon City, CHR chairperson Chito Gason said the agency has sent quick-response and fact-finding teams in Talaingod to investigate whether or not the rights of Ocampo, Castro, and their colleagues were violated.

"Hindi pa po bumabalik ang report so mahirap naman po na manghusga kami kaagad na may paglabag," Gascon said.

Ocampo, Castro, and 17 others were charged on Thursday with trafficking and for allegedly holding minors during the said solidarity mission in Talaingod, Davao Del Norte.

A group joined by Castro and Ocampo and 72 others was conducting a National Solidary Mission in Talaingod, Davao Del Norte on Wednesday to give aid to Lumad schools and teachers in the area and investigate alleged cases of human rights violations after the paramilitary group ALAMARA forcibly padlocked the Salugpongan Community Center.

However, by around 8 p.m., the group was allegedly blocked by elements of 56th Infantry Battalion at Sitio Igang, Barangay Palma Gil.

At past 9 p.m., the delegation was held and the delegates were interrogated by security forces and personnel from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office.

"We will monitor and report these to the public if we see there are violations," Gascon said.

The CHR chief, however, said that Ocampo, Castro, and the people in their solidarity mission could have come in peace in Davao del Norte.

"Maari nating tignan na sila ay peaceably pumunta doon for the purpose of undertaking a humanitarian solidarity mission," he said.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Friday said due process is being accorded to Ocampo and Castro to give them the opportunity to file counter affidavits to refute the allegations against them.  — Ted Cordero/MDM, GMA News