THE ACQUITTAL of the “Mabinay 6” activists on charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives on Monday, September 22, was a “boo-boo” (blunder) on the part of government forces.
Judge Marie Rose Inocando Paras of the Regional Trial Court Branch 42 in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental pointed out glaring inconsistencies in the prosecution’s material evidence against the six activists.
Thus, the lady judge stressed in her decision that it was implausible and impossible to convict the “Mabinay 6.”
After seven and a half years of incarceration, the court finally ruled that the six accused were not guilty of any serious criminal offense.
‘Miles for Myles’
Nevertheless, this is a monumental victory for the “Mabinay 6,” who are:
* Myles Albasin
* Randel Hermino
* Carlo Ybañes
* Joemar Indico
* Bernard Guillen
* Joey Vailoces
Of the six, Myles was the most controversial figure. This lass from Cagayan de Oro City, a Mass Communications graduate of the University of the Philippines–Cebu, was the only rose among the thorns in the case.
She was just 21 — a fresh college graduate — when she and her companions were arrested in Barangay Luyang, Mabinay, Negros Oriental by operatives of the Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion on March 2, 2018.
The Army claimed the “Mabinay 6” had engaged them in a shootout prior to the arrest. But Myles and her co-accused denied this, saying they were asleep in a house when soldiers cornered them.
The weapons and explosives, they insisted, were planted to justify trumped-up charges.
The court believed their version of events and acquitted them.
Spending more than seven years behind bars was truly “miles” for Myles.
Robbing Their Future
Enduring such “miles” was a great conquest for Myles — one for the books. She and her co-accused fought against injustice that robbed them of a “beautiful future.”
Myles, a dreamer, once wished to pursue Law, but that has yet to happen following her acquittal.
I know Myles. She is a bright girl — once a fiery activist — and the daughter of Grace Cantal-Albasin, a Mindanao-based journalist.
Grace, my friend during my stint in Mindanao (2012–2020), bore the heavy burden of her daughter’s ordeal. Her struggle was palpable.
In Memory of the Late Atty. Ben Ramos
The acquittal of the “Mabinay 6” serves as a tribute to the late Atty. Benjamin Ramos, founder of the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) and former counsel of the “Mabinay 6”. He was gunned down by two unidentified assailants at the public plaza of Barangay 5, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental on November 6, 2018.
His infamous death was linked to the wave of extra-judicial killings (EJKs) during the administration of then President Rodrigo Duterte — an allegation government forces vehemently denied.
Taking over the case was the La Viña Zarate Law Office, with Attorneys Tony La Viña, Jayvy Mendoza, Kaloi Zarate, Teddy Rigoso, and others. The renowned Dean La Viña himself acted as lead counsel.
Hooray! Their defense was not wasted. Winning the “Mabinay 6” case was more than just a legal victory — it was a resounding vindication for the innocent.
Act of Abomination
In sum, the “Mabinay 6” case could easily be mistaken for a telenovela. The actors were innocent, yet they suffered terribly in jail because of a simple “boo-boo” committed by the military.
Yes, they languished in detention but endured the test of time. They were mocked, but they remained silent and hopeful that truth would one day set them free.
And it finally happened — one day after the 53rd anniversary of the Philippines’ Martial Law, imposed by the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. on September 21, 1972. The timing may raise eyebrows, but never mind. What matters most is that justice was served, and Myles and her companions were finally acquitted.
As William Blackstone’s 1769 doctrine emphasized: “It is better that 10 guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer.”
Likewise, the Bible (Proverbs 6:16–19) warns against abomination — falsely accusing the innocent. God abhors this sin as it violates His Ninth Commandment: “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor” (Exodus 20:16).
I do hope the “Mabinay 6” case will be the last “boo-boo” of government forces. It is truly sad to see so many innocent people suffering in jail because of wrongful charges. Remember: God says it is a sin.
On the other hand, hats off to Myles and company for their courage, perseverance, and endurance in fighting for what is right. They are more than just inspirations — they are beacons of hope amid State abuses./PN
