ILOILO City — Joint police and military forces arrested two individuals linked to the Kilusang Rehiyon-Panay (KR-Panay) of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) during an operation in Barangay Aganan, Pavia, Iloilo, on Maundy Thursday, April 2.
Authorities identified the suspects as Josephine Porquia, 64, and her associate, Ma. Luisa Guillen, both temporarily residing in Don Julio Village, Barangay Aganan.
Porquia, who had been wanted for 13 years, was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest for rebellion issued by the Regional Trial Court in Mambusao, Capiz in 2012, with recommended bail set at P40,000. Police further alleged that during the operation, Porquia was found in possession of materials used for improvised explosive devices (IEDs), a potential violation of Republic Act 9516.
Guillen was arrested for obstruction of justice after allegedly interfering with the operation.
The operation was carried out by the Pavia Municipal Police Station’s Tracker Team, with support from multiple police and military units, including the Philippine National Police Special Action Force and the Philippine Army.
Police Brigadier General Josefino D. Ligan, director of Police Regional Office 6, defended the timing and necessity of the arrests.
“The arrest of these individuals demonstrates our unwavering commitment to neutralizing threats to peace and security in Western Visayas,” Ligan said. “We commend our law enforcement units and the Philippine Army for their cooperation and vigilance in ensuring that those who seek to disrupt public safety are held accountable under the law.”
He also called on the public to remain alert and cooperative.
“We urge our communities to stay vigilant and cooperate with authorities to ensure lasting peace and public safety,” Ligan said.
The operation, however, drew criticism from human rights groups and legal groups who questioned the legality of the arrests conducted during the Lenten break.
Panay Alliance Karapatan strongly criticized the arrests, describing them as part of a broader pattern of persecution against activists and development workers.
“The arrest of Josephine and Ma. Luisa during the solemn observance of Lent reflects the continuing injustice faced by those who stand with the poor and oppressed,” the group said in a statement. “Like the biblical betrayal and injustice symbolized by Judas and Barabbas, these actions expose the moral bankruptcy of a system that persecutes those who serve the people.”
Panay Alliance Karapatan further claimed that the arrests were not isolated incidents.
“These arrests are not isolated incidents but form part of a broader pattern of arbitrary arrests against human rights and development workers,” the group said, citing “trumped-up charges, irregular police operations, and violations of due process” as recurring concerns.
Meanwhile, National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) Panay condemned the operation, particularly its timing during Maundy Thursday.
“The arrest… carried out on Maundy Thursday, at the height of the Lenten season… underscores the continuing persecution of development workers and human rights advocates,” the group said.
NUPL-Panay also raised constitutional concerns, noting that arrests conducted during long holidays may limit access to legal remedies.
“Conducting arrests immediately before or during long public holidays has the practical effect of delaying access to counsel, prosecutors, and courts, thereby prolonging detention and undermining constitutional rights,” it said.
The group further argued that such actions may violate due process protections under the Constitution.
“Arrests carried out in a manner that intentionally limits access to courts and legal remedies may constitute a violation of due process rights,” the statement read.
NUPL-Panay also questioned the basis of the arrest warrant, noting that it was issued nearly 14 years ago.
The group also linked the arrests to alleged red-tagging practices.
“These arrests must be viewed in the broader context of… red-tagging, surveillance, and filing of questionable charges against activists and human rights defenders,” it added.
NUPL-Panay called for the immediate release of the arrested individuals and the dismissal of what it described as baseless charges.
“At a time when the nation reflects on sacrifice, justice, and redemption, we call on authorities to uphold the Constitution, respect human rights, and ensure that the law is not used as an instrument of persecution,” the group said.
As of writing, the suspects were under the custody of the Pavia Municipal Police Station pending further legal proceedings./PN
