The College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) called anew on Sunday, April 18, for the release of detained Lumad school teacher Chad Booc.
Booc was arrested during the operation conducted by the Police Regional Office 7 (PRO-7) inside the Talamban campus of the University of San Carlos Cebu City on Feb. 15, 2021.
A total of 25 individuals, including teachers, Lumad students, and Lumad elders, were illegally arrested in the operation conducted by the PRO-7 and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
In a statement, CEGP condemned the "continuous injustice" against Indigenous communities and Indigenous children.
"Letting them in prison without any violation or reason to do so only adds up to the already worse plight of these marginalized and oppressed sectors," the group said.
"Thus, the Guild remains firm that they should be freed in no time to have them reach their right and just rights that are long tarnished since time immemorial," CEGP continued.
It also urged progressive organizations, publications, and individuals to continuously demand freedom and educational rights.
"In a time where we are all far from our usual classes and challenged by the new normal set-up, education is and would always be a right for everyone," CEGP added.