The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is alarmed by a reported raid conducted by the Panay Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG-Panay) of a women’s shelter in Roxas City, Capiz.
According to a statement by women’s group GABRIELA, the raid was conducted on the basis of a search warrant that identified their Secretary General Marivie Bartolome Arguelles and community leader Lenilyn Jaynos. GABRIELA explained that Lenilyn was staying in their shelter for postoperative medical check-ups and the explosives allegedly found “behind the curtains of a window” were planted.
CHR maintains that, if corroborated, planting evidence is criminal liability. We cite Section 4-A of Republic Act No. 9516 which states that, “Any person who is found guilty of ‘planting’ any explosive or incendiary device or any part, ingredient, machinery, tool or instrument of any explosive or incendiary device, whether chemical, mechanical, electronic, electrical or otherwise, shall suffer the penalty of reclusion perpetua.”
The Commission likewise notes that government and non-government protection shelters like that of GABRIELA’s serve as refuge for women in crises, particularly those who were victims of gender-based violence and human rights abuse. Therein, they can avail of services such as medical or legal assistance and counseling. Crisis shelters are also generally undisclosed to the public to ensure the safety of victims. It is thus concerning that a raid was carried out in such a location in the first place. CHR hopes that the security of other occupants remains uncompromised.
To ascertain truth and administer justice on the basis of truth, CHR Regional Office VI is already conducting an independent investigation on this matter. Concurrent to our monitoring of cases of aggression against individuals affiliated with progressive groups, we stress the urgent need for legal measures to protect the rights and welfare of human rights defenders. We reiterate that calls for unity must include all citizens regardless of ideological beliefs and political backgrounds. ###