Political prisoner acquitted after spending 7 years behind bars
In this photo taken in December 5, 2016, children of political prisoners had their heads shaved as sign of protest for the continued detention of their loved ones. The STAR/Miguel de Guzman
MANILA, Philippines — A political prisoner was acquitted from illegal possession of firearms and explosives charges against him after seven years of court trial.
In a Facebook post, Karapatan legal counsel Maria Sol Taule said that Dumagat political prisoner Eddie Cruz was acquitted of illegal possession of firearms and explosives lodged before him at the San Mateo, Rizal Regional Trial Court.
“Prosecution failed to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt,” Taule said.
An earlier press statement of Karapatan stated that Cruz was arrested in August 2010. He has since been detained inside Camp Bagong Diwa.
Karapatan said that Cruz, a farmer and occasional tour guide in Rizal, originally hails from Dumagat tribe in Sitio Tuay, Rodriguez, Rizal. He was his family’s breadwinner before he was nabbed.
A report from Bulatlat.com stated that Cruz, together with his two other companions Nardo Cruz and Carlito de Jesus, were rounded up by 18 soldiers after a night of toiling in the fields.
The soldiers reportedly freed Cruz and De Jesus but kept Cruz incarcerated.
Cruz will be freed after seven years behind bars.
- Latest
- Trending
