The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has taken cognizance of the arrest of Jay Apiag, a former secretary general of KARAPATAN Southern Mindanao, on 13 August 2024. He is currently being detained at the Buhangin Police Station after being arrested in Digos City.
Apiag is facing charges of attempted murder, as well as illegal possession of firearms and explosives. Prior to these charges, he was issued an arrest warrant alongside KARAPATAN National Chairperson Elisa Lubi in March 2021 for separate attempted murder charges. These earlier charges were recalled after a petition was filed in a local court in Davao City.
Prior to his arrest, CHR notes that Apiag has been the target of multiple incidents of red-tagging, leading to a series of harassments. In 2020, wanted posters in Mindanao vilified Apiag by labelling him as a “human rights violator,” “berdugo,” and “pumapatay ng tribu,” among other accusations.
The Commission reiterates the Supreme Court ruling under Deduro v. Vinoya, which has determined that red-tagging, vilification, labeling, and guilt by association pose threats to a person’s right to life, liberty, or security. Regardless of a person’s status, these acts in itself put an individual at risk, and are thereby considered a violation of their inherent rights.
The CHR calls for a thorough review into Apiag’s arrest, ensuring that justice is served impartially and with utmost transparency. We put our trust in the country’s judicial system, that it may remain free from any influence and that the rule of law stands to be a foundational pillar in our democracy.
CHR reiterates the importance of ensuring due process for all individuals, regardless of their affiliation. A safe and fair environment, where the rule of law prevails, is essential in fostering a society where the human rights of all sectors are respected and protected.
As the country’s national human rights institution, CHR will always stand for the protection of the dignity of every Filipino. In fostering a society which safeguards the rights of all, we remain firm that nothing should remain above truth and justice.###