Human rights groups and other sectoral representatives, led by Rep. Carlos Zarate and Bobby Malay, hold a press conference in Quezon City to express their solidarity for the Talaingod 18, days ahead of the case promulgation on July 15. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA (UPDATED) — The Tagum City Regional Trial Court Branch 2 has convicted ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro, former Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo, and others for violating the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

The case stemmed from a 2018 incident in Talaingod, Davao del Norte where they were accused of transporting 14 Lumad minors who were students of the Salugpungan Ta Tanu Ingkanogan Community Learning Center, Inc.

Bayan Muna maintained that the incident was a "rescue mission" following the supposed militarization of the school and alleged aerial bombings.

In a decision dated July 3, 2024, Castro, Ocampo, and their co-accused — Ma. Eugenia Victoria Nolasco, Jesus Madamo, Meriro Poquita, Maricel Andagkit, Marcial Rendon, Marianie Aga, Jenevive Paraba, Nerhaya Talledo, Concepcion Ibarra, Nerfa Awing, and Wingwing Daunsay — were sentenced to imprisonment of 4 to 6 years.

They were also ordered to pay jointly and severally a total of P20,000 in moral and civil damages to each of the victims.

"Notably, the court opines that the accused had no valid justification nor authority to take the fourteen minor students out of Dulyan campus," Acting Presiding Judge Jimmy Boco said.

FROM 2018: Satur went to Lumad school without permission, says governor

'WRONGFUL CONVICTION'

In a joint statement, Castro and Ocampo said they would question the court's decision "in all venues possible."

"This wrongful conviction speaks of the continuing persecution of those who are helping and advocating for the rights of Lumad children and the persistent attacks on Lumad schools and communities," they said.

Castro and Ocampo said the court ignored the testimonies regarding the continued "harassment" of Lumad schools by military and paramilitary forces and the "danger" that the students faced.

They also noted that their mere presence on the highway where they met the teachers and the children was insufficient to establish a conspiracy.

"The persons who are actually responsible for the forcible closure of the schools as well as the threats and harassment have never been investigated," they said.

The court acquitted Pastor Edgar Ugal, Rev. Ryan Magpayo, Eller Ordeniza, and Rev. Jurie Jaime for the failure of the prosecution to prove their guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

ARMY, NSC WELCOME CONVICTION

Meanwhile, the National Security Council and the Philippine Army on Monday welcomed the conviction.

In a statement, Army public affairs chief Col. Louie Dema-Ala said the "landmark decision" of the Tagum City Regional Trial Court Branch 2 sends a message that individuals who exploit and endanger the lives of indigenous people (IP) children will be held accountable by law. 

"Justice has finally been served for the Talaingod IP children and other victims who have fallen prey to their manipulations," Dema-Ala said. 

"Their conviction underscores that our justice system is indeed working. It sends a clear message that individuals who exploit and endanger the lives of IP children by exposing them to false and dangerous ideologies will be held accountable under our laws," he added. 

National Security Adviser Sec. Eduardo Año lauded the court decision against the opposition leaders. 

"[N]o one is above the law. It doesn't matter if you are prominent in society, the law is the law and one has to be accountable for one's actions," Año said in a statement. 

Dema-ala said the Philippine Army will continue safeguarding the welfare of all Filipinos, particularly vulnerable groups that are supposedly often targeted by deceitful beliefs. -- with a report from Michael Joe Delizo, ABS-CBN News