The Tagum City Regional Trial Court Branch 2 convicted ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro, former Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo, and 11 others of child abuse.
In its 25-page decision, the court said the accused violated Section 10a of the Special Protection of Children
Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, when they held a group of tribal youths and made them walk down a dangerous path in Talaingod, Davao del Norte in November 2018.
The court sentenced the group to four to six years imprisonment and ordered them to pay P10,000 as civil indemnity and P10,000 as moral damages to each of the 14 minors involved.
Sentenced alongside Ocampo and Castro were Ma. Eugenia Victoria Nolasco, Jesus Madamo, Meriro Poquita, Maricel Andagkit, Marcial Rendon, Marianie Aga, Jenevive Paraba, Nerhaya Talledo, Ma. Concepcion Ibarra, Nerfa Awing, Wingwing Daunsay.
In its decision, the court said the prosecution established proof beyond reasonable doubt that “the accused committed acts detrimental to the safety and well-being of the minor Lumad learners.”
Meanwhile, the other respondents —Edgar Ugal, Ryan Magpayo, Eller Ordeniza and Jurie Jaime – were acquitted because “the prosecution has failed to prove their guilt beyond reasonable doubt.”
In a joint statement, Ocampo and Castro said the court had “wrongfully convicted” them.
The two insisted they only intended to “rescue” the children, noting that the court did not look into the testimony of threats, harassment, and forced closure of Lumad schools.
“This wrongful conviction speaks of the continuing persecution of those who are helping and advocating for the rights of Lumad children and the persistent attacks on Lumad schools and communities.”
For his part, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla highlighted the importance of the development, saying “this ruling underscores the commitment of our judiciary to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of our most vulnerable citizens, especially children.”
“We urge all parties involved to respect the court’s decision and the due process that has been followed,” Remulla said.
“While the accused may pursue appeals or other legal actions, it is imperative that these efforts remain within the bounds of decency and propriety. We must respect our courts, our legal system, and the law itself. Any attempt to undermine public trust in our judicial process through inappropriate statements or actions will not be tolerated,” he added.
The DOJ also commended the Tagum Prosecution Office and the prosecutors for their dedication and hard work.
At the House of Representatives, the Makabayan Bloc condemned the court’s decision.
Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas condemned what she termed was an “unjust” conviction of her fellow Makabayan lawmakers.
“This is not only unacceptable but a glaring manifestation of the persisting culture of injustice today. We demand accountability from former President Rodrigo Duterte and the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) for endangering the lives of indigenous children,” she added.
On the other hand, NTF-ELCAC Executive Director and Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. said: “Justice has been served. This is a victory for the indigenous people in Talaingod, Davao del Norte who have endured so much exploitation and abuse.”
“Satur and Castro were given their day in court. They were assisted by a battalion of lawyers and their case was found wanting. They should accept the court’s decision because we are a nation of laws and not of men,” he added.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline DOJ accepts court ruling on child abuse case vs Ocampo, Castro
