News Release
April 16, 2025
Habeas corpus petition filed to free elderly man illegally detained after being falsely presented as long-missing NDFP consultant
Manila, Philippines — A petition for habeas corpus was filed today at the Court of Appeals seeking the immediate release of 81-year-old Prudencio Cebu Calubid Jr., who remains in detention despite clear evidence that he is not the person named in an arrest warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Manila.
The petition, filed by his daughter Analyn Calubid with the assistance of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL), argues that Prudencio Jr. is being unlawfully detained after police falsely identified him as Prudencio Calubid — a peace consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) who was abducted in 2006 and remains missing.
Authorities arrested Prudencio Jr. in December 2024 and publicly claimed he is the NDFP consultant, even posting his mugshots on social media. This, despite his presentation of multiple government-issued IDs, documents, and records showing his distinct identity and long-standing residence in Olongapo City.
The real Prudencio Calubid has been the subject of a P7.8 million bounty and is listed among the PNP’s “most wanted.” The petition asserts that law enforcement officers persisted in detaining Prudencio Jr. despite knowing he was not the same individual.
“The continued detention of Prudencio Jr. is not the result of a mistaken identity; it is a case of deliberate misrepresentation, carried out in disregard of truth and due process,” NUPL counsel Atty. Julian Agpalo asserts.
Given his advanced age, poor health, and the absence of any lawful basis for his arrest, the petition urges the Court to immediately grant the writ and release him from detention.
Reference:
Atty. Julian B. Agpalo
NUPL counsel
+639178870776
nupl2007@gmail.com
