SELDA calls for the dismissal of charges against former priest, political prisoner Frank Fernandez, two others

[KARAPATAN Public Information]

Press Release

10 April 2023

SELDA calls for the dismissal of charges against former priest, political prisoner Frank Fernandez, two others

The Samahan ng Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detensyon at Aresto (SELDA) called for the dismissal of the fabricated charges against Frank Fernandez, his wife Cleofe Lagtapon and Ge-Ann Perez, and immediately release them on just and humanitarian grounds, the day before the court's promulgation on the case.

“We call for the dismissal of the fabricated charges filed against Fernandez, Lagtapon and Perez. We are pinning our hopes on the Honorable Judge Marivic C. Cudilla-Victor, to let truth and reason prevail on her decision," said Danilo de la Fuente, SELDA Vice Chairperson.

Arrested on March 24, 2019 in Laguna province, Fernandez, 75, Lagtapon, 69, and Ge-Ann, 24, face charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives. The Taguig City Regional Trial Court Branch 266 is set to promulgate the judgement on their case tomorrow, April 11.  . 

"The charges against the three are patently absurd acts that can be committed by these elderly and sickly prisoners," added dela Fuente.

Fernandez and Lagtapon both suffer from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Fernandez also has hypertension, hyponatremia, and angina, all life-threatening diseases. 

Meanwhile, Perez, 22 years old, has been treated from Hansen's disease, but relapse could possibly ensue given the harsh and congested conditions in jail. 

"For humanitarian grounds, they must be immediately released from prison, instead of a guilty conviction,” dela Fuente stressed.

The group also said that Fernandez and Lagtapon have been fighting for just and lasting peace and advocating for the rights of the farmers in Negros province since their youth. 

"They have made significant contributions to advancing farmers' plight and fighting poverty in the region. It is high time to put an end to this kind of political persecution of those who fight for the rights of the marginalized and oppressed in our society.” Dela Fuente concluded. ###

Reference:

Danilo de la Fuente

SELDA, Vice Chairperson

Mobile No: 09297563142