Environmental defender Vertudez “Daisy” Macapanpan, 68, was illegally arrested in Barangay Burgos, Pakil, Laguna last June 11. About 40 elements of police units surrounded her house. Macapanpan had just given a talk in an assembly against the destructive Ahunan Pumped-Storage Hydropower Project which will be built in Mt. Inumpog, Sierra Madre.

Four cases of arrest, a case of killing and attempted murder were also reported the past weeks.

Elements of the 7th IB shot and killed Calisa Langgaw, 57, a resident of Sitio Matingaw, Barangay Tacuhin, Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat last June 6. Langgaw, a barangay council member, was killed while hunting in Oh Luson hill, part of Sitio Matingaw. Soldiers claimed that she was a member of the New Pople’s Army and was planted with an M16 rifle as evidence.

In Sorsogon, unidentified armed elements indiscriminately fired at two civilians in Barangay Gabao, Irosin last May 29 at 9 p.m. The 16 year old minor and his father were left wounded.

Last June 4, soldiers of the 31st IB ransacked and robbed Ricky Evaso’s house, a farmer in Barangay Olandia, Barcelona. Soldiers stole his money worth ₱7,000 which were meant to buy piglets and rabbits.

Military operations of the 31st IB started last May 24 in Gubat, Barcelona and Bulusan towns. Soldiers are occupying barangay halls and chapels in the said towns. Last June 2, soldiers called for a meeting in Barangay Bugtong, Barcelona to force residents to “surrender.”

In Ifugao, the 7th ID arrested Emmanuel Tan in Barangay Namal, Asipulo last May 30 and forced him to surrender. Tan is a cultural worker in the peasant and minority community in the area.

Last June 12, the 62nd IB illegally arrested peasant leader Macario Fat Sr in Guihulngan City.

In Masbate, from May 30 to June 1, two farmers were arrested on charges of murder and violation of the Anti-Terror Law, while three others charged in the case are being forced to surrender by the Cataingan local police. They are accused of being members and supporters of the NPA.