On November 28, 2018, former Bayan Muna Rep. Satur “Ka Satur” Ocampo, ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro, and 11 other Lumad educators and supporters were arrested while conducting a solidarity and rescue mission in Talaingod, Davao del Norte. This mission was in response to the escalating militarization and harassment of indigenous communities and the closure of Lumad schools by the government. Instead of protecting the rights of these vulnerable communities, the government unjustly arrested them, filed trumped-up charges of child trafficking, and now, the case is being appealed before the Court of Appeals.

The case against Satur Ocampo and the Talaingod 13 is not just an isolated incident. It is part of a larger pattern of political harassment aimed at silencing advocates of human rights, especially those who stand up for marginalized and indigenous communities. The charges against them are baseless and politically motivated. We, the undersigned, express our deep solidarity with Ka Satur and the Talaingod 13, and we demand that the charges against them be dropped immediately.

Satur Ocampo is a veteran journalist and columnist who fought the dictatorship during Martial Law, a staunch defender of human rights and a committed advocate of peace based on justice. He is a pillar of Bayan Muna Partylist, serving as the political party’s president for twenty-five (25) years. He was recognized as 30 Most Outstanding Congressmen in 2002 & 2003.   He has fought for the rights of the Filipino people and, advocated for social justice and meaningful change. His life’s work has been dedicated to advancing the rights of indigenous peoples, marginalized groups, and all Filipinos. The harassment he faces is part of a broader campaign to stifle dissent, criminalize activism, and silence voices of change with impunity.

 

We call on the following:

1.    Defend Human Rights Defenders – Ka Satur Ocampo’s life’s work has been dedicated to defending human rights and dignity. The charge against him is malicious and baseless; we must stand with him and protect the rights of those who speak out for justice;

2.    Uncover the Lies – The charges against Ka Satur Ocampo and the Talaingod 13 are politically motivated. We challenge the black propaganda that seeks to demonize these human rights defenders. The truth must be exposed; 

3.    Celebrate a True Champion for the People – Ka Satur has spent his life fighting for the rights of Indigenous People, marginalized groups, and all Filipinos. His commitment to the people is unwavering, and he deserves our support;

4.    Stand for Truth and Demand Justice – We call on the government and the judicial system to reverse the wrongful decision, respect human rights, and defend the legacy of Satur Ocampo. We demand justice for the Talaingod 13 and an end to political harassment.

 

The Stand with Ka Satur and Talaingod 13 campaign aims to raise awareness and mobilize support for Ka Satur and the other individuals falsely accused. Through collective action, we will push back against the lies and demand justice for those who continue to fight for truth, freedom, and human rights in the Philippines.

We Demand That:

·       The wrongful decision of the Davao del Norte Regional Trial Court Branch 2, against Ka Satur Ocampo and the Talaingod 13 be reversed and ultimately dismissed; 

·       The harassment and political attacks against human rights defenders in the Philippines be condemned and stopped;

·       The government be held accountable for its attacks on defenders of Indigenous Peoples' rights and all marginalized groups in the country. 

By signing this petition, we stand in solidarity with Ka Satur Ocampo, the Talaingod 13, and all human rights defenders in the Philippines. Together, we will dismantle the false narratives, fight for justice, and uphold the legacy of those who have dedicated their lives to defending truth and justice.

Sign now to demand the immediate dismissal of charges against Ka Satur Ocampo and the Talaingod 13, and to stand against political harassment in the Philippines.