Progressive groups condemned the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office for summoning Cebu’s mass leaders over alleged violations of Batas Pambansa 880 or the Public Assembly Act. They were served subpoenas dated September 29 for their protest at the Cebu City District Engineering Office of the Department of Public Works and Highways Region VII in the city on September 5.

Among those charged are Panaghupong-Kadamay’s Nanay Bebe Allere, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Central Visayas’ Jaime Paglinawan, Bayan Muna’s John Ruiz, AMA-SUGBO-KMU’s Howell Villacrucis, and others. They were required to submit counter-affidavits within 10 days.

“The charges filed against these respected leaders from marginalized and progressive sectors highlight the steady erosion of democratic space in the name of law and order,” Karapatan-Central Visayas said.

The group stated that the Filipino people clearly understand that mass leaders are being repressed because they lead the growing call against widespread corruption in government. “Instead of persecuting activists who express their justified rage against corruption, the government should focus on arresting those who have enriched themselves through corrupt practices,” the group added.

The state has long used BP 880 to suppress the people’s voice and protest. The law is a legacy of the Marcos dictatorship and continues to be weaponized against the people today.

This was also the same charge filed against Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment spokesperson Jonila Castro related to the September 4 protest in front of the St. Gerrard Construction building, owned by the Discayas, one of the contractors involved in corruption-ridden flood control projects. They hurled mud at the company’s logo and gate as a symbolic act of outrage.