State forces illegally arrested and tortured Maria Theresa Buscayno, Desiree Jaranilla Patuñ-og, Andres Ely, and Oliver Millo, all peasant organizers, on the evening of July 29. Karapatan-Central Luzon reported that the victims were pulled over while traveling in a van on Jose Abad Santos Avenue in Mexico, Pampanga.

Witnesses said that they saw two cars block the victims’ vehicle by armed men wearing Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) uniforms. The men then forced the victims out of their vehicle.

The prosecutor held an inquest on Buscayno, Patuñ-og, Ely and Millo’s arrest yesterday, July 31. They were charged with violation of Section 28 of RA 10591 and RA 9516 or illegal possession of firearms and explosives. The CIDG falsely claimed confiscating an M16 and grenades from Buscayno and Millo. An M14 and a grenade were reportedly taken from Patuñ-og. Ely allegedly had an arrest warrant, and was also said to have been carrying a rifle grenade and a grenade.

Karapatan-Central Luzon said the four strongly denied these allegations. The organizers insist the confiscated weapons were planted evidence.

Karapatan denounced the torture suffered by the victims while they were illegally arrested. They were dragged from the van, forced to kneel and beaten. They were made to lie prone on the road for five hours, before they were taken to the detention cell in Pampanga.

Buscayno and Patuñ-og are currently detained at the CIDG regional office in Camp Olivas, San Fernando, Karapatan-Central Luzon said. While Ely and Millo were at the CIDG provincial office at the Capitol grounds, San Fernando.

Karapatan-Central Luzon reported that the victims had underlying illnesses prior to their arrest but were denied medical attention. Patuñ-og bore a visible contusion on her forehead after state forces smashed her head on the road. Bruises, wounds and torture marks were also evident on the victims.

Amid all this, the group called on land rights advocates and human rights defenders to support the demand to immediately release the four advocates. Former associates and acquaintances of Patuñ-og, former student regent at the University of the Philippines (1997-1998) have joined the call for their immediate release.