Philippine National Police (PNP) Daraga and the 31st Infantry Battalion illegally arrested a construction worker residing in P7 Barangay Namantao, Daraga, Albay on May 23. “Ruben”, 47, was accused of being a member of the New People’s Army and was charged with a fabricated case of illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

Barangay residents denied there was an encounter in the area, contrary to what the soldiers said. Witnesses said that CAFGU elements forcibly entered Ruben’s house at 4 am. They blindfolded him and brought him to a nearby abandoned house between Barangay Namantao and Maopi.

Meanwhile, residents near the abandoned house were forced to lie face down for almost two hours, while CAFGU personnel fired their guns indiscriminately for several minutes at a time.

A few hours later, PNP Daraga and the 31st IB arrived at the abandoned house to plant firearms, magazines, an ammo pouch, a bag, and bombs. They took photos of Ruben with these items.

Aside from arresting Ruben, CAFGU personnel also stole his sibling’s chickens.

Prior to the incident, residents noticed that CAFGU personnel visited the abandoned house on May 19, allegedly to look for hidden weapons.

Ruben’s neighbors are calling for justice. They said he is a good person and an ordinary civilian.