Officers of NGO network plead not guilty in case filed by Army

CEBU, Philippines — Nineteen out of 27 members of a network of non-government organizations pleaded “not guilty” during their arraignment yesterday, September 19, 2024, over charges of terrorism financing filed against them by officials of the Philippine Army.

The former officers and staff of the Community Empowerment Resource Network, Inc. (CERNET) entered a not guilty plea during their arraignment before the Regional Trial Court Branch 74 of Cebu City.

Jaime Paglinawan, one of the accused, said that two have already entered a plea of not guilty a few months ago, while some have already died and some have left the country.

According to the statement released by CERNET, the alleged violations of RA 10168, or the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012, were filed by Brig. Gen. Joey Escanillas, commander of the 302nd Brigade of the Philippine Army.

The CERNET officers asserted that the charges against them are baseless and malicious, intended to stifle their legitimate development work for marginalized and poor communities in Central Visayas.

“CERNET calls for the dismissal of these charges and urges an end to harassment and red-tagging practices. The organization emphasizes the need for a safe and supportive environment for development workers and human rights defenders to perform their essential roles,” the non-profit organization said.

In May 23, 2023, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Visayas Command filed a formal complaint against CERNET for allegedly funding the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA).

According to Paglinawan, they received the complaint sometime in August.

The CERNET moved by filing a counter affidavit last September 28, 2023.

The 27 accused were aware that the case had escalated to the Regional Trial Court.

According to an earlier statement of Lt. Col. Israel Galorio, chief of the Visayas Command public information office, the charges were filed “after determining probable cause based on substantial evidence supplied by VISCOM, via the Joint Task Group Cebu under the Army’s 302nd Infantry Brigade on September 28, 2023.”

But CERNET has stressed that for two decades, they have been dedicated to serving the Visayas communities, supporting over 10,000 beneficiaries through various socio-economic, legal, and relief programs.

“Wala namo damha nga among pagpangalagad ug pagtabang pud sa mga tao kay maka resulta diay himoan mig intriga ani nga wa gud oy basehan,” said Estrella Catarata, another one of the accused, in a press conference held yesterday. – Jonnavie Villa, Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/ATO (CEBU NEWS)