Court junks terror financing case vs Ilocos Church worker

By Sherwin De Vera
www.nordis,net

BAGUIO CITY— The Department of Justice (DOJ) has dismissed the terror financing complaint against Myrna Zapanta, a church worker and peasant rights advocate, citing lack of credible evidence.

In a resolution dated May 29, state prosecutors said the complaint filed by the Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) failed to establish probable cause. Filed in October 2024, the case alleged that Zapanta, along with fellow organizers Lenville Salvador and Petronila Guzman, violated the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act (TFPSA) of 2012.

Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon noted in his ruling that aside from the “self-declaration” of witness Avelino Dacanay, who claimed to be a former member of the New People’s Army, “there is no certification from the appropriate government agency” to verify Dacanay’s status.

“Thus, at the moment, the undersigned is apprehensive to lend credence to the statements of Dacanay in the absence of sufficient proof that indeed he is a rebel returnee,” part of the decision read.

Zapanta, who served as the social welfare officer of the Solidarity of Peasants Against Exploitation (STOP Exploitation), expressed relief at the decision.

“I was pleased with the result because it only proves that justice prevailed, not the baseless accusations against me,” she said in Filipino in an interview. “What they did had emotional and mental effects, and they should be held accountable under the law.”

“I hope their focus now will be on the millions stolen by those in government, not on people like me who are helping poor farmers to improve their situation and live with dignity,” Zapanta added.

In a statement, STOP Exploitation welcomed the ruling, saying it has exposed how counter-terrorism laws are being misused. 

The group also denounced the use of alleged former rebels as witnesses in cases against activists, a pattern that human rights groups have raised concerns about. 

“It is becoming clearer that state agents, such as the PNP-CIDG, use supposed former rebels to push fabricated cases,” STOP Exploitation said. “Zapanta’s legal victory is also a win for other activists and development workers facing similar charges.” (RVO)

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