On the attacks against activists

Jovenes Anakbayan Spokesperson and Anakbayan-Naga City Chairperson Ma. Jesusa “Sasah” Sta. Rosa was illegally arrested by more than 30 fully armed, uniformed personnel of the state forces in their residence at Villa Obiedo, Cararayan, Naga City on May 2, 2021. Sta. Rosa’s relatives were first made to lie on their stomachs on the floor and brought outdoors before the search warrant was served. The police allegedly found explosives, guns, and a red flag after a 40-minute search.

On the same day, two other Bicolano activists were also raided by operatives from CIDG and PNP. Pastor Dan Balucio, 61, of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN)-Bicol and United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) was nabbed at his residence in Albay in the same manner. The state agents also searched the house of a senior editor of a student publication Cassipi Online in Bicol University (BU) and Youth Act Now Against Tyranny (YANAT)-Bicol Spokesperson, Justine Mesias, at Daraga, Albay where he has not been staying for almost two years now. After the incident, the police have not seized the absent Mesias yet.