Cordillera People’s Alliance (CPA) member Sarah Abellon Alikes was granted bail on December 6 for her temporary release in the “terrorism financing” case or violation of the Terrorist Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012 (TFPSA) filed against her by the Marcos regime. The charges stem from police allegations that Alikes funded a New People’s Army (NPA) unit attack against Philex Mining Corporation in Itogon, Benguet in February 2017.

Filed by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Regional Field Unit 14 (PNP CIDG RFU 14) against Alikes, the complaint led the Branch 73 of the Urdaneta Regional Trial Court to issue an arrest warrant recently. Prior to the “terrorism financing” case, Alikes was arrested on charges that she was among those who attacked the corporation. The court acquitted her of these cases in July 2018.

In addition to these cases, the Anti-Terrorism Council under ATC Resolution No. 41 also included Alikes in a list of CPA leaders and other activists who were arbitrarily designated as terrorists. The respondents have also challenged the case in court.

The Cordillera Human Rights Alliance (CHRA) condemned what it called the weaponization of the law to silence critical voices and suppress dissent. “This politically motivated attack is a clear attempt to intimidate and harass human rights defenders who are working tirelessly to expose injustice and promote social change,” the group stated.

Despite Alikes’ temporary release, the CHRA expressed concern for her safety and well-being. The group urged the court to immediately dismiss all cases against her and others similarly charged with “terrorism financing.”

The group also urged international human rights organizations and institutions to join them in closely monitoring the increasing number of similar cases against activists and human rights defenders in the Philippines. Alikes and the CHRA also expressed gratitude to everyone who provided support and funds for the bail.