SC issues writ of amparo, protection order for UCCP pastors, ex-barangay captain

The Supreme Court has issued a writ of amparo and a temporary protection order in favor of two pastors of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) and a former barangay captain.

In a 5-page order dated December 6, the High Court prohibited the respondents from going within a one-kilometer radius of Batangas UCCP pastors and couple Edwin Egar and Julieta Egar, former barangay captain Ronald Ramos, and their immediate families.

In November, the three filed for a writ of amparo with the Supreme Court due to alleged red-tagging by members of the Philippine Army.

Named respondents were Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Lieutenant General Bartolome Vicente Bacarro, Philippine Army commanding general Lieutenant General Romeo Brawner, and 2nd Infantry Division commander Major General Roberto Capulong.

Also named respondents were 59th Infantry Battalion commander Lieutenant Colonel Ernesto Teneza Jr., Sergeant Ronald Dalo, Sergeant John Granpil, Private First Class Borge Ebol, Roy Dela Peña, and Bong Samela, among others.

Meanwhile, the Court ordered the respondents to make a verified return of the writ to the Supreme Court and to comment on the petition within 20 days.

The Supreme Court said that the return shall include the defense of the respondents to show that they did not violate or threaten with violation the petitioners’ right to life, liberty, and security.

It should also include actions taken by the respondents to determine the whereabouts of the petitioners and the persons responsible for the threat, act, or omission.

The respondents should also share all relevant information in their possession pertaining to the threat, act, or omission against the petitioners. 

For its part, the Center for International Law (CenterLaw), the counsel for the couple and Ramos, welcomed the issuance of the writ of amparo and the TPO.

CenterLaw Executive Director Atty. Gilbert Andres said this should be “sobering reminders” to state forces to respect the right to life, liberty, and security of the petitioners. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News