State forces illegally arrested copra farmer Roberto Mendoza last September 1 in Barangay Silongin, San Francisco, Quezon. The police ransacked and destroyed his copra silo. They presented no documents for his arrest. Mendoza is the father of human rights defender Lieshel Mendoza who has been a target of harassment by the 85th IB.

Tanggol Quezon condemned Roberto’s illegal arrest. This is clearly a tactic by the 85th IB and the police to intimidate and force Lieshel to surrender. The state charged the younger Mendoza with trumped-up cases of violating the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 and The Terrorism Financing Prevention And Suppression Act of 2012. She is accused of being a member of the armed movement.

“Lieshel and Roberto are ordinary farmers who honorably work and stand up for their rights. The Mendozas have nothing to surrender for,” the group said.

A “terrorism” charge was filed against Lieshel and her companion, Yulesita Ibañez, also a human rights defender, in January. These cases have been used in recent months to pressure activists and progressives.