Arts group calls for release of activist detained in Occidental Mindoro

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — The Mindoro Artists Initiative (MAI) has joined calls for the immediate release of a cultural worker who was arrested six months ago.

Charlize “Ceeka” Garzon was nabbed following an armed encounter between government troops and suspected New People’s Army (NPA) fighters at San Jose town in Occidental Mindoro.

She was taken into custody on March 29, the same day a clash erupted at Sitio Salafay, Barangay Monteclaro between elements of the Army’s 68th Infantry Battalion and alleged NPA rebels. 

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The firefight resulted in the death of Capt. Dean Buen Oyando of the elite Scout Rangers and the wounding of two other soldiers. 

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In a statement on Wednesday (September 30), the MAI and other supporting groups maintained that Garzon is a cultural worker and an artist, not a combatant. 

The group said she was in Mindoro to immerse herself in Mangyan-Buhid communities, document their conditions, and provide volunteer education. 

“Today marks six months since Ceeka was first detained, yet she remains held on the basis of fabricated charges filed against her,” MAI said in its appeal. 

“Our position as artists of the people is clear: No one ought to be unjustly imprisoned,” the group noted.

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“We must instead protect fellow cultural workers whose rights are being trampled upon and whose dignity is being diminished,” it added. 

Military officials said Garzon was captured during legitimate combat operations and faces charges of murder, frustrated murder, and illegal possession of firearms and explosives, in connection with the encounter. 

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Troops also recovered an M16 rifle, a hand grenade, and a handwritten journal they said belonged to her, containing what the military described as notes on NPA organizational structure and tactics. 

The Army has denied allegations of torture or harassment, saying that Garzon received medical attention and was able to contact her family. 

The case has drawn prominent attention, with supporters including the Release Our Ceeka Network and Panday Sining describing the charges as planted evidence and demanding her immediate release. 

Human rights groups have also raised concerns over due process and alleged ill-treatment while in custody. 

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Garzon, a graduate of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, is being held at the San Jose Municipal Police Station. /apl