UNION OF PEOPLES’ LAWYERS IN MINDANAO
Tagum City, June 24, 2024 – The Union of Peoples’ Lawyers in Mindanao (UPLM) welcomes the dismissal of two human trafficking charges against Datu Benito Bay-ao by the Regional Trial Court of Tagum, Branch 2.
The ruling follows the successful filing of a demurrer to evidence by UPLM attorneys Arvin Dexter Lopoz and Jilianne Paula Ampog, which led to Datu Bay-ao’s release from detention last Friday, June 21.
Datu Bay-ao, a respected leader and advocate for indigenous peoples’ rights, was unjustly accused of human trafficking, along with the now deceased lumad school volunteer teachers, Chad Booc and Gelijurain Ngujo II, who were killed by the military on February 24, 2022. They were charged for accompanying to Cebu City the displaced lumad students who participated in the “bakwit” school. The charges have now been dropped, affirming the lack of substantive evidence against Datu Bay-ao. What was proven in court instead was that Datu Bay-ao, in fact, acted as a guardian of the lumad students and took care of their well-being while in Cebu City.
Attorney Lopoz said: “The court’s dismissal of the charges is a testament to Datu Bay-ao’s innocence and the strength of the evidence, or lack thereof, presented against him. We are pleased that justice has prevailed.”
Attorney Ampog added: “We are honored to have represented Datu Bay-ao and contributed to this just outcome.”
Previously, UPLM also represented lumad school volunteer teacher Lerma Lawian and her husband Jeffrey, and lumad school students, brothers Ismael and Mawing Pangadas, who were similarly acquitted through a demurrer to evidence.
UPLM remains committed to defending the rights of the marginalized and oppressed. This victory is not just for Datu Bay-ao, but for all those who strive for justice against wrongful accusations and systemic injustice.
UPLM will continue to stand firm in its mission to provide legal assistance and champion the cause of those who face oppression and unjust treatment. This dismissal serves as a reminder of the power of collective efforts in the pursuit of justice.
For more information, please contact:
Union of Peoples’ Lawyers in Mindanao (UPLM)
Email: uplm.lawyersinmindanao@gmail.com
Atty. Antonio C. Azarcon
Chairperson, UPLM
09199124767
Atty. Arvin Dexter Lopoz
Spokesperson, UPLM
09175067642
UPLM is an organization dedicated to advocating for and providing legal support to marginalized communities in Mindanao, Philippines.