Indigenous Peoples (IP) holds the resolution of the case Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo and ACT parytlist Rep. Francisca Castro
The tribal leaders of Mindanao are ready to testify should the Philippine National Police (PNP) file a case against ACT Teachers party-list representative France Castro, ex-Makabayan representative Satur Ocampo and 16 others.
This was the statement of Lipatuan Joel Unad, chairman of Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Council of Elders and Leaders (MIPCEL) regarding the human trafficking raps filed against the lawmakers and their cohorts after they were arrested by authorities for allegedly holding 14 minors without the consent of the parents in Davao del Norte.
“Kami handa na mag-witness kung ang kapulisan sila ay mag-file ng kaso against sa kanila Satur Ocampo at saka yung ACT representative na si France Castro,” Unad said.
According to Bae Diwata of MIPCEL-Agusan del Sur, the Indigenous Peoples (IP) council of elders has heard testimonies of atrocities committed by Ocampo and his group against the tribal communities.
“The numerous other concerns of the IP and other atrocities / violations by CPP-NPA-NDF is a serious issue,” Diwata added.
The group also expressed objection to the early release of Ocampo and Castro amid investigation.
“We vehemently condemned the early release of the former Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo and ACT parytlist Rep. Francisca Castro while the investigation is still on going,” Diwata said. — Cathy Maglalang | UNTV News & Rescue
