Lakas ng Maliliit na Mangingisda sa Bicol (LAMBAT) Chairperson Elwin Mangampo, was arrested earlier today, Monday, May 31, by CIDG police operatives.
According to a human rights group, the guns and explosives allegedly “seized” were planted at his home at L Purok 2, Brgy. 1, Pio Duran, Albay.
At around 3:00 a.m. elements of PNP and CIDG arrived at Mangampo’s home, however he was not at home at that time as he went out to shore to catch fish.
His wife was the only person at home.
PNP and CIDG men waited for Mangampo at the shoreline, until around 9:00 a.m.
According to a rights group, the search and allegedly “planting” of evidence at Mangampo’s home was done under the search warrant issued by Ligao City, Albay RTC Branch 11 Judge Edwin Ma-alat.
Mangampo is currently detained at CIDG Ligao.
As LAMBAT Chairperson, Mangampo led dialogues for the welfare of small fisherfolk who are experiencing difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic with LAMBAT Bicol.
Mangampo is also a barangay kagawad, and has been a victim of harassment and “Red-tagging” in Pio Duran.
“The arrest of Mangampo is another attempt of the Duterte administration to crackdown, harass and silence progressive individuals fighting for the rights of the marginalized here in the Bicol region”, the group said in a statement made public after the arrest.
The arrest of Mangampo follows the pattern of arrests of Jovenes Anakbayan Spokesperson, Sasah Sta Rosa and BAYAN-Bicol Secretary General, Pastor Dan Balucio, and the “planting of evidence” in Justine Mesias’ home which happened less than a month ago.
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