By: Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD City – Four leaders of some progressive groups who were arrested here in series of raids two weeks ago, were released from detention after they have posted bail.
This was confirmed yesterday by Captain Cenon Pancito III, spokesperson of Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (ID).
Pancito said Danilo Tabura was released last Tuesday while Roberto Lachica, Mary Anne Krueger, and National Federation of Sugar Workers (NFSW) secretary-general John Milton Lozande were released the following day, after each of them posted bail for their case on violation of Republic Act 10591 or Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
They were among the 11 militant leaders, who were previously arrested by local policemen and Army at the offices of Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), Gabriela at Barangay Bata, NFSW at Barangay 33, and a house at Barangay Taculing last October 31, where authorities recovered several firearms and ammunition.
Pancito said the remaining seven other leaders – Albert dela Cerna, Karina Mae dela Cerna, Cherryl Cantero Catalogo, KMU secretary-general Noly Rosales, Proceso Quiatzon, Mermalyn Bito-on, and husband Romulo Tapalla Bito-on – are now in the custody of Negros Occidental District Jail (NODJ) in Bago City.
These seven arrested suspects are facing charges for illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, and explosives with no bail.
Meanwhile, Pancito said they are planning to file a motion for reconsideration before the City Prosecutor’s Office after the release of the four militant leaders.
In a Facebook post last Tuesday, Defend Negros expressed their endless gratitude for the solidarity of those who supported them in their call to release their colleagues.
The group thanked all the people’s organizations and allies who’ve showed their undying support for the cause they are fighting.
“The battle is not yet over, we have to continue our call,” the group said.
