KARAPATAN SAYS
Raps vs. 7 meant to
harass peasants

Seven Negrense peasant leaders and farmers illegally arrested and facing trumped-up charges have been detained since 2005, human rights group Karapatan said in a press release yesterday.

Fred Caña, secretary-general of Karaptan, said they have extended assistance to these detainees, as they commemorate today the International Day of the Political Prisoners.

He identified those detained at the Negros Occidental Provincial Jail as Nathaniel Alisgar, Roel Tapio, Dionisio Sabanal, Ruel Vergara and Jolito Lambayong, while those incarcerated at the Guihulngan jail, in Negros Oriental are Emilia and Maricris Quirante.

The filings of false charges against them are meant to harass and intimidate the peasant movement who are militantly fighting for land, just wages and social justice in the countryside, the press release said.

Karapatan said as the Arroyo regime intensifies its counter-insurgency operations in the countryside, they will hear of more ordinary peasants and farmers hauled to jail on trumped up charges.

In Bacolod City , Karaptan will mark the celebration with a Mass at the Provincial Jail to be participated by the political prisoners, their families and relatives, to be officiated by Fr. Felix Pasquin.

Meanwhile, Gabriela Negros will visit two women prisoners in Guihulngan, Negros Oriental, the press release added.*

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