JUSTICE Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre vowed on Friday to quickly resolve the appeal of 15 human rights advocates who were charged with kidnapping for sheltering tribal people in Mindanao, called lumad, who sought shelter at a church compound in Davao City last year.
“Secretary Aguirre promised to resolve [the motion for reconsideration] at the earliest possible time,” said Bayan Muna Representative Carlos Isagani Zarate after meeting with the Justice secretary.
The Davao City Regional Trial Court issued an arrest warrant against accused Rev. Jurie Jaime, Bayan Southern Mindanao Region secretary-general Sheena Duazo, Karapatan SMR secretary-general Hanimay Suazo, Ryan Laniba, Tony Salubre, Jimboy Maciano, Gabriela Davao secretary-general Mary Ann Sapar, Jaja Encosio, Pedro Arnado, Pasaka SMR chairperson Kerlan Fanagel, Sr. Stella Matutina, Sr. Restita Miles, Isidro Andao, Kharlo Manano and Save Our Schools Network spokesperson Rius Valle.
The arrest order came after then Justice secretary Emmanuel Caparas reversed the recommendation of the Provincial Prosecutors Office to dismiss the case for lack of probable cause.
Lawyer Manuel Quibod, who represents the so-called Haran 15, said they have filed a motion for reconsideration before the DoJ which stalled the implementation of the arrest warrant but the court said the orders would be implemented by August 1.
Several other accused showed up during the meeting to sought the dismissal of the case filed against them.
If there is still no action on their motion for reconsideration by end of July, Quibod said they will ask for the extension of suspension of the implementation of the arrest warrant without opposition from the DoJ.
Prior to their arrest, the human rights advocates claimed they were assisting the lumad evacuees at the Haran Compound and helping them deal with their difficult situation while advocating their return to their communities for years.