SAN JOSE, OCCIDENTAL MINDORO — Human rights alliance Karapatan Southern Tagalog has called on local officials of San Jose and Occidental Mindoro to intervene in the case of Charlize Garzon, who remains detained at the San Jose Municipal Police Station.
In an open letter addressed to Mayor Rey Ladaga and Governor Eduardo Gadiano, the group alleged that Garzon, an artist, activist, scholar, cultural worker and volunteer teacher, was charged with fabricated cases by elements of the 68th Infantry Battalion, 2nd Civil-Military Operations, and 203rd Infantry Brigade.
Karapatan ST claimed Garzon has been subjected to threats, physical harm, and intimidation, causing distress to her family.
The group further accused military units of continuing harassment and militarization across Mindoro, citing recent incidents in Sitio Salafay, Barangay Monteclaro, San Jose.
The area, declared a “priority barangay” under the Barangay Development Program of the NTF-ELCAC, has reportedly seen forced evacuations and checkpoints affecting the livelihoods of Mangyan-Buhid communities.
Karapatan urged the immediate release of Garzon and accountability for military officials, naming Brig. Gen. Melencio Ragudo of the 203rd Infantry Brigade, Lt. Col. Adrian Gullunan of the 68th Infantry Battalion, and 1LT Vina Del Campo of the 2nd Civil-Military Operations.
The group stressed that in the spirit of Holy Week and amid worsening human rights conditions in Mindoro, local leaders must stand for peace and justice against repression. # (RRN)
