Karapatan demands release of Lumad leader in Agusan del Sur

Human rights group Karapatan is calling for the immediate release of Lumad leader Michelle Campos and three others. They were reportedly arrested on March 6 in Barangay Das-agan, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur. Campos, along with Alden Baguio, Jun Rey Misoles, and Rovelyn Acevido, are currently being held at a hospital under military protection. According to Karapatan, Campos and her companions were arrested without proper warrants. The group claims that Campos is facing multiple false charges, including murder. These charges were allegedly filed after she was already hospitalized. Karapatan reported that her arrest did not follow legal procedures, as no warrants were presented. Karapatan's Secretary General, Cristina Palabay, expressed concern over the safety of Campos and her companions, suggesting they could face harassment while in military custody. The group also noted that another Lumad leader, Genasque Enriquez, is missing after being arrested earlier on March 2. Palabay emphasized that the three other individuals arrested alongside Campos should be released, as they have no pending cases. She asserts that the accusations against Campos are meant to undermine her activism for indigenous rights.