MANILA — Party-list group Bayan Muna has condemned the filing of anti-terrorism charges against its secretary general, Nathanael Santiago, as well as Anakpawis Campaign Director Servillano Luna, Jr., ASCENT Convenor Rosario Brenda Gonzalez, and Bulacan Ecumenical Forum volunteer Anasusa San Gabriel.

In a statement, the group said the charges were “trumped up” and meant to “demonize” government critics.

“The use of trumped-up charges, in conjunction with red-tagging, creates a toxic environment that undermines the principles of justice and human rights. We strongly and firmly reject these reprehensible tactics and demand an end to the harassment and persecution of activists and members of the political opposition,” Bayan Muna said.

The group also said that the charges came after its president Satur Ocampo and vice chairperson Teddy Casiño, were also unjustly sued for similarly charges.

In the counter-affidavit filed by Santiago before the Nueva Ecija Office of the Provincial Prosecutor, he denied the charges for attempted murder and murder under the Anti-Terrorism Act as well as violation of the Philippine Act on Crimes Against Humanitarian Law, Genocide and other Crimes Against Humanity.

Santiago said at the time of the supposed crime, he was working as Bayan Muna secretary general at the office of the party-list group in Quezon City.

“Napakalaking kasinungalingan, gawa-gawa lamang ang istorya, at hindi totoong nangyari na ako ay kasama o kabahagi sa iniulat ng militar na armadong engkwentro sa pagitan ng AFP at NPA noong Oktubre 8, 2023 sa Laur, Nueva Ecija at sa paratang ng paglabag ng murder, attempted murder at paglban sa batas laban sa pasabot at batas laban sa terorismo,” Santiago said.

(All lies, fabricated story and it is not true that I was part of the encounter between the AFP and NPA, as well as the allegations of murder, attempted murder and other charges.)

Similarly, in the counter-affidavit of Gonzalez, she said was busy for a book launch during the first three weeks of October, with photos and testimonies attached.

“Again, how then could I have been, in any way, part of the alleged encounter when I was busy in Metro Manila championing the causes of the victims of the state’s excesses?” Gonzalez said.