Human rights groups in Quezon held a picket on June 16 to call for the release of political prisoners in the province. Tanggol Quezon led the protest in Lucena City and the town of Pagbilao.

In Pagbilao, the group, paralegals, and families of political detainees held a picket in front of Quezon District Jail, calling for humane treatment of the political prisoners and immediate dismissal of the charges filed against them.

“Each day the eight political detainees spent in jail, they had to contend with relentless terror-tagging. Their right to be visited and contacted by their families and paralegals is severely restricted,” Tanggol Quezon spokesperson Paul Tagle said.

In addition, the group said they have no adequate water supply and food is insufficient. The group condemned the jail administration for its neglect and denial of the basic rights of prisoners.

In Lucena City, Tanggol Batangan held a picket at the Lucena Regional Trial Court (RTC) during the hearing of the cases filed against Lino Baez and Willy Capareño. The group called for the dismissal of the case of illegal possession of firearms and explosives state forces filed against them.

Baez and Capareño, both natives of Batangas, were arrested and framed with planted firearms and explosives in Sariaya, Quezon on October 6, 2021. Nearly four years have passed since the police arrested them while they were preparing for a consultation with farmers. The two remain detained at Quezon District Jail.

Other political prisoners detained at Quezon District Jail are Gavino Panganiban, George Agudez, Reynante de Leon, Darwin Palo, and Rico Endrinal.