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CHR to probe arrest of environmentalist in Laguna

Philippines | National

CHR to probe arrest of environmentalist in Laguna

By Czarina Nicole Ong Ki

Commission on Human Rights (CHR)

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR), through its Region IV-A, decided to conduct its own investigation on the arrest of environmentalist and activist Vertudez "Daisy" Macapanpan last June 11 in Pakil, Laguna.

It said that based on reports it received, Macapanpan was arrested after delivering a speech against the construction of the Ahunan Pumped-Storage Hydropower Project on top of Mt. Inumpong of the Sierra Madre mountain range in Pakil town.

Macapanpan, the reports stated, was against the construction because it would negatively impact the environment, the wildlife, and the religious practices of the community in the affected area.

The CHR said her relatives cried out against her "merciless, inhumane and violent treatment and arrest," which was reportedly carried out by a 25-member Philippine National Police (PNP)-Special Action Force (SAF) team.

She was arrested over an alleged rebellion case in 2008. The police said that Macapanpan is a high-ranking member of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA).

In a statement, CHR Executive Director Jacqueline Ann de Guia said they will be looking into the alleged human rights violations that took place during Macapanpan's arrest -- in particular, "police brutality, crackdown of dissent, as well as red-tagging."

"To date, CHR Region IV-A was already able to speak to Macapanpan, who is currently in a Bureau of Jail Management and Penology facility in Pagbilao, Quezon. CHR will also be reaching out to other parties as part of its independent investigation," De Guia, a lawyer, said.

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