Activist leaders forced into hiding as court issues warrants of arrest

By JOEY P. NACALABAN
Correspondent .

Two leaders of progressive groups here have been forced to go into hiding after knowing they have warrants of arrest being readied for them.

The two militant members are Wildon Barros, secretary general of Kilusang Mayong Uno-Northern Mindanao Region and Arthur Colao, secretary general of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas-Northern Mindanao Region.

Fr. Rolando Abejo of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente and Movement Against Tyranny chairman said he discovered that the warrants of arrest against the two and other individuals have been issued in a Malaybalay court.

Abejo said his group learned that Barros and Colao are being implicated in an ambush incident in Pangantucan town last July 19.

“The two were charged with murder which is a non-bailable offense, the reason why they are now forced into hiding,” Abejo said.

Aida Ibrahim, chairperson, Tindig Ranao told Gold Star Daily that she believes Barros and Colao are victims of trumped-up charges.

It was learned that the names of Colao and Barros are among in the 600 proscription list submitted by the Department of Justice.

Colao is a victim of frustrated extrajudicial killing last year.

He was in a meeting with fishermen at Talisayan town in Misamis oriental when suddenly gunmen riding a motorcycle shot him in the back but, fortunately, he survived the gun attack.

“Karon hinoon gi-areglar na sa among mga abogado ang maong kaso kay klaro man na nga tinomotomo lang. Si Barros nia ra man na siya diri sa syudad apil-apil sa mga rally hag-as ba siya makaadto sa Pangantucan, Ibrahim pointed out.

Abejo said, all these harassments and killings they are now experiencing are the result of martial law declared by President Rodrigo Duterte here in Mindanao.

“In line with the people of Mindanao, we are reiterating our call to stop martial law and give us back our freedom,” Abejo demanded.