The ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR), a group of lawmakers in Southeast Asian countries, expressed dismay over the court’s verdict that found Rep. France Castro and 12 others of the “Talaingod 18” guilty of child abuse for rescuing teachers and students from a dangerous situation.

“This is a meaningless decision that has no basis in reality,” the lawmakers declared. “Talaingod 18 should be praised, not punished.”

“Given the flimsy basis of this decision, we strongly encourage the Philippine authorities to grant bail to Rep. Castro and her associates – and not to subject them to even a single day of unjust imprisonment,” APHR said.

“We stand in solidarity with Rep. France Castro and her fellow human rights defenders and we call on the higher court to recognize the absurdity of this case and nullify this senseless verdict.”

Rep. France and the rest of the Talaingod 18 vowed that they will fight the verdict on all fronts, and they will appeal to a higher court to have it reversed.

Bail may be granted even after a guilty verdict when the convicted person submits an application for probation. While the case is being appealed to a higher court, they can remain temporarily free under their existing bail.