Members of the Makabayan coalition and other democratic organizations gathered before the Commission on Human Rights to call for the defense of Rep. France Castro, Satur Ocampo and 14 others known as Talaingod 18 today, July 15. This is after they were convicted of child abuse, from the case filed against them in November 2018.

“The decision of the Davao del Norte Regional Trial Court Branch 2 wrongfully convicting us, the eight teachers of the Salugpungan Ta ‘Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Center and the Community Technical College of Southeastern Mindanao, and two from the Alliance of Concerned Teachers, is unacceptable and unjust,” Castro and Ocampo said in a joint statement issued today.

“This wrongful conviction speaks of the continuing persecution of those who are helping and advocating for the rights of Lumad children and the persistent attacks on Lumad schools and communities,” they added.

They denounced the court’s decision which they said “ignored the testimonies regarding the continued harassment of the Lumad schools by military and paramilitary forces and the danger that the students faced.”
Even the prosecution’s own witnesses testified that it was out of fear that the teachers decided to leave the community to a safer area.

Our mere presence in the highway where we met the teachers and the children is insufficient to establish conspiracy, they said.

Charges of kidnapping, human trafficking and child abuse were filed against the Talaingod 18 when they, along with others, helped at the request of teachers and 14 students in Sityo Duryan, Barangay Palma Gil, Talaingod Davao del Norte. While traveling with the rescued teachers and students, their convoy was fired upon and blocked. The 18 were arrested but were immediately released on bail. In December 2018, the court initially dismissed the kidnapping case against them.

“The persons who are actually responsible for the forced closure of the schools as well as the threats and harassment have never been investigated,” Castro and Ocampo said. They will question the decision in all avenues, they said.

The court issued the verdict after the Makabayan coalition declared it will field senatorial candidates, with Castro as its first candidate, in the upcoming 2025 elections.