Two peasants were illegally arrested in Dolores, Eastern Samar by elements of the 52nd Infantry Battalion in the last week of February.

Soldiers led by Lt. Ian Daniel Robianes arrested Erwin Ramirez Moratal, 21, and Pablito Lapesora Libanan, 32, both residents of Sitio Casapa, Barangay Dinigpian of the said town. No arrest warrants were presented by soldiers who wore civilian attires during the arrest.

Even when the barangay captain questioned the legality of the arrest, the two were still brought to 52nd IB’s camp in Barangay Dao, Oras. The military claimed they are members of the New People’s Army.