Human rights group slams arrest of ex-rebel
Human rights advocate Panay Alliance Karapatan recently condemned the arrest of former New People's Army (NPA) rebel Samuel Lagulao of Roxas City.
Lagulao was arrested by PNP operatives at the Iloilo Mission Hospital on April 12. He was brought to the new Iloilo Rehabilitation Center in Nanga, Pototan where he is being detained as of press time.
Lagulao is one of those accused of "multiple murder with the use of explosive and multiple frustrated murder" committed against Philippine Army troopers in Brgy. Mambiranan, Calinog, Iloilo in November 2005. The case is pending at Iloilo Regional Trial Court Branch 22 under Judge Guilljie Delfin-Lim.
The landmine explosion on November 19, 2005 resulted in the death of 9 soldiers from the 47th Infantry Battalion and the 1st Scout Rangers Battalion of the Philippine Army. A total of eighteen soldiers were injured.
Lagulao, in his 50's, wears a brace on his neck and needs to have oxygen. He could not get up from bed unassisted. He was hospitalized after a vehicular accident last month which caused a fracture in his spinal column.
The arrest was a big surprise to Lagulao's family. It is public knowledge that he has been out of "the movement" for many years.
Lagulao is manager of a branch of Great Domestic Insurance in Roxas City. His routine includes bringing his children to school during class days.
"Lagulao is another victim of State repression," said Samuel Torato, Panay Alliance secretary-general. "His arrest is absolutely unjustified."
Torato likens this case to that of Romeo Capalla who was arrested in August last year and eventually acquitted of charges of destructive arson.
Lagulao was detained in the late 80s. Prior to that, he was among the underground personalities who came out in the open in response to the call for peace talks by the government of President Cory Aquino.
Relatives are hoping Lagulao will be released on humanitarian consideration because of his severe physical condition.