By SHERWIN DE VERA
Northern Dispatch

BAGUIO CITY — Four Cordillera activists, who filed a petition questioning their terrorist designation by the Philippine government, have asked the court to consider the series of “harassments” they have experienced during the resolution of their case.

In a March 18 court submission, the activists respectfully prayed that the court take note of their pleading and give due consideration to their prayer for a Writ of Preliminary Injunction.

The petitioners—Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA) leaders Windel Bolinget, Sarah Alikes, Jennifer Awingan, and Stephen Tauli—assert that the incidents “undeniably affirm the serious harm they have suffered since their designation as terrorists.”

The Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) labeled them as “terrorists” in a June 2023 resolution, accusing them of being leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines in the Ilocos and Cordillera regions.

Apart from malicious social media posts from various Facebook pages since they filed the case, the activists also documented “harassment incidents” that occurred during hearings within the premises of Baguio City Hall of Justice. Lawyers from the Klima Center, part of the legal team assisting the activists, have previously condemned efforts to vilify their clients and the CPA.

The petitioners also expressed concern about the “brazen surveillance” by military and police forces during court hearings and efforts to malign their lawyers online. They argue that such actions threaten the safety of their legal representatives and violate their right to practice law freely. The activists warn that continued surveillance would fail the government’s duty to protect lawyers from threats and pressure.

An attachment to the submission includes a post from the Facebook page “PULAkero,” which accuses Baguio City councilors Jose Molintas, Arthur Allad-iw, and Peter Fianza of being “kasabwat ng ng terorista (in league with terrorists).” Molintas serves as the lead counsel of the petitioners, while Allad-iw and Fianza are known advocates for human rights, authoring several bills for its protection and promotion.

Some Facebook posts cited include derogatory statements against former Bayan Muna representative Karlos Zarate. He is part of the pool of lawyers for the case.

In October 2023, the city council unanimously passed a resolution calling on the ATC to rescind the four CPA leaders’ terrorist designation. The council also cautioned the anti-terror body against using a process “based on biased and doubtful” information gathered by law enforcement agencies. # nordis.net