Bayan Muna Chairman Neri Colmenares condemned in the strongest terms the recent illegal arrest and torture of senior citizen and Bayan Muna peasant organizer Maria Theresa Buscayno, along with three other community organizers in Mexico, Pampanga.
“This brazen act of state violence against our peasant organizers is a clear violation of human rights and a blatant abuse of power,” Colmenares stated. “The illegal arrest, physical assault, and planting of evidence on Maria Theresa Buscayno, Desiree Jaranilla Patuñ-og, Andres Ely, and Oliver Millo are despicable acts that must be thoroughly investigated and those responsible must be held accountable.”
The victims were reportedly abducted on July 29, 2023, at around 9:30 PM along Jose Abad Santos Avenue in Mexico, Pampanga. They were subjected to violent treatment, including being forced to lie face down on the ground for hours while being kicked and beaten.
“The fabricated charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives are a clear attempt to silence these dedicated community organizers,” added the former Bayan Muna solon.
“This is a tactic we’ve seen time and time again, used to intimidate and persecute those who work tirelessly for the rights of our marginalized sectors, especially when the elections draw near”
Colmenares highlighted the importance of the work done by these organizers, stating, “Their selfless service to the oppressed and marginal peasants and indigenous people of Central Luzon has been crucial in successful land assertions and food production work in the region. They should be commended, not attacked, and have their human rights violated.”
Colmenares in called for the immediate release of Buscayno, Patuñ-og, Ely, and Millo. They also demand an independent investigation into the incident, emphasizing the need for accountability for the perpetrators of this heinous act.
“We stand in solidarity with our fellow activists and will continue to fight against these injustices,” Colmenares concluded. “We call on all democratic forces to unite and resist this escalating attack on our basic rights and freedoms.”
