- Hit detention of Atty. Zuleika Lopez an Ovu-Manobo and Bagobo-Klata
- Question Castro’s presence in HoR probe
DAVAO CITY – The Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Council of Elder & Leaders (MIPCEL) questioned the presence of Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Partylist Rep. France Castro on the ongoing investigation into Vice President Sara Duterte’s alleged misuse of PHP6125 -million in confidential funds.
The group, headed by Datu Lipatuan Joel Unad, reiterated that Representative Castro was convicted of a criminal case for Child Abuse on the 14 IP Children of Ata Tribe in Talaingod
in a decision promulgated on 15 July 2024, in the Regional Trial Court of Tagum City.
“As an IP Organization representing the communities in Mindanao, we questioned the contineous presence of Representative France Castro in the House of Congress, since we are seeking justice in behalf of the children of Ata tribe of Talaingod,” the group said in a statement.
MIPCEL also stated that they were deeply hurt when Castro cited in contempt a fellow IP, Atty. Zulleka Lopez.
Lopez is a member of the Ovu Manobo and Bagobo Klata Cuitural Communities and the daughter of Judge Jose Lopez, who stood and fought the abuses made against the IPs.
“It is unimaginable to us that Representative France Castro, a convicted criminal by a competent court in the Philippines, continue abusing the Indigenous Peoples, from the 14 Ata children and now against a Lawyer and fellow IP,” the statement said, adding that, Atty. Lopez should not be cited in contempt as she courageously faced the Congressional Quad Committee.
“It is unacceptable that by the abuse use of contempt against her, she will be detained in a Women Correctional Facility and it hurt us when we saw her crying. We are very practical people and our view of Justice system is always fair and respectful of individual rights,” MIPCEL added.
They also expressed dismay over the circulating video of Castro celebrating how she was able to successfully put into detention a person, an IP and a lawyer.
In a related development, in a public post, Arian Jane Ramos alias Marikit, the former secretary of the New People Army Guerrilla Front (GF) 55, Sub-Regional Committee 5 (SRC)-Southern Mindanao Regional Command (SMRC), and former chairperson of Gabriela Youth – University of the Philippines (UP) Mindanao, said Castro has abandoned principle to cling to power, aligning with the current administration which she once condemned.
“[This] is to keep her lavish privileges and political ambitions intact – all while carrying a conviction for child abuse,” she added.
Ramos said that Castro along with other members of the Makabayan Bloc has mastered betrayal, parading as champions of the people while exploiting their struggles.
She added hat for decades they have hijacked the cries of farmers, workers, women, youth, and IPs to push the Communist Party of the Philippines- New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) agenda, while receiving congressional perks.
“These leaders who claim to fight for justice and equality have turned their backs on their own, exploiting the sacrifices of those they’ve sent to fight their wars,” Ramos said, adding that their calls for human rights are a mask for greed, their loyalty tied only to their personal gain.
“The Filipino people deserve better than these opportunistic traitors. Enough lies. Enough hypocrisy,” she added. ###
