Three development workers of the Paghidaet sa Kauswagan Development Group (PDG) Inc. were arrested on Thursday, January 2, on charges of terrorism financing.
Arrested were Dharyl Albañez, Federico Salvilla, and Perla Pavillar, Paghimutad – Negros Island Alternative Media reported
The arrests follow charges filed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Dec. 3, 2024, which accused the three, along with two other PDG staff members, of involvement in funding terrorist activities.
PDG is a development organization based in Southern Negros that advocates for agrarian reform, sustainable agriculture, and the rights of small farmers and fisherfolk.
Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office cops arrested the three, who are facing charges for violation of Republic Act No. 10168, also known as the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012 (TFPSA), in Pulupandan, Cauayan, and La Carlota City, Capt. Capt. Judesses , NOCPPO spokesperson, told DIGICAST NEGROS.
Apprehended by virtue of warrants of arrest were Albañez of Brgy. Tinongan, Isabela, Salvilla “Federico” of Brgy. Pag-ayon, Pulupandan – who is facing raps for two counts of terrorism financing, and Pavillar of Brgy. Man-uling, Cauayan who is facing three counts of the same charges,
Bail for each count is P200,000.
Catalogo said that Albañez has already posted bail, while the two others remain in police custody.
They were arrested for allegedly supporting members of New People’s Army, the police said.
Bayan Negros condemned the arrest of the three for what it called “unfounded and baseless charges.”
“These arrests are part of Marcos Jr’s escalating crackdown against progressive development workers and activists who tirelessly champion the rights of marginalized communities,” it said.*