Inciting to sedition raps filed vs Pamatong

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has filed inciting to sedition charges against disqualified presidential bet Elly Pamatong, who was earlier arrested after having ordered last week’s spike attack.

Senior Superintendent Jesus Acpal, assistant regional chief of the CIDG-National Capital Region, said charges were filed Tuesday at the Quezon City Prosecutors’ Office against the lawyer for the threats he issued during a television interview a few days after allegedly ordering the spike attack.

Pamatong threatened to burn school houses as part of his protest against the Arroyo government.

"His mere pronouncement that was aired nationwide is evidence against him. His statements disturbs peace and order in the community which is in essence an act of inciting to sedition," Acpal said.

Acpal said the PNP-CIDG is presenting to the prosecution a videotape of the interview with Pamatong, the transcript and the affidavits of two CIDG personnel who were able to watch Pamatong being interviewed by ABS-CBN Channel 2.

Under the law, statements aired on TV can be admissible as evidence in court.

Chief Inspector Danilo Morzo and CIDG public information officer Felix Vargas issued their respective affidavits, stating that they saw Pamatong’s interview.

A portion of the transcript of the television interview quoted Pamatong as saying, "The third phase which is still non-violent, susunugin namin ang lahat ng eskwelahan sa Pilipinas, isa-isa. Mas madali yung sa Mindanao. Sadyain naming mag-gabi para walang mamatay kasi doon sa eskwelahan tinuturuan yung mga anak nating magnakaw."

Pamatong gained temporary liberty after posting P80,000 bail for charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.