Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 18) — Police have filed criminal charges against seven people who were arrested during an operation to rescue Lumad minors in Cebu City on February 15.
The Philippine National Police’s Public Information Office on Thursday said the charges filed against the seven were kidnapping, child exploitation, and human trafficking.
The respondents were presented for inquest proceedings before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office of Davao del Norte at the Hall of Justice, Capitol Site, Mankilam, Tagum City. This was done via video teleconference from the Police Regional Office in Camp Osmeña, Cebu City.
Among the respondents are two Datus, teachers, and Lumad students.
They were arrested in an operation in a top Cebu school on Monday, where police said 19 Lumad children from Davao del Norte were rescued from alleged kidnapping by a militant group.
The respondents were given 15 days to submit their counter affidavit.
Meanwhile, local authorities are also looking into possible violations by the police during the operation.
The Commission on Human Rights said an initial probe was conducted on February 15, while a follow-up investigation is ongoing regarding the police operation.
