DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Human rights group Karapatan-Southern Mindanao asserted on Wednesday, that the arrest of its former secretary-general over alleged involvement in illegal drugs should not be used to discredit the work of their organization.
Kelly Delgado, 39, resident of IFI Compound, F. Torres St., Barangay 9-A was arrested at joint police and military checkpoint in Sitio Licanan in Barangay Lasang, Bunawan District on early Saturday morning, April 27. Allegedly, Delgado was caught in possession of an “improvised glass tooter with shabu” residue after authorities inspected his vehicle.
Delgado posted bail on his case of violating RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Meanwhile, P/Capt. Teresita Gaspan, spokesperson of Davao City Police Office (DCPO) confirmed that Delgado was brought to Agusan del Sur yesterday to face previous cases filed against him.
According to Gaspan, there is a standing warrant of arrest against Delgado on a case of multiple murder, grave threats and arson issued by a local court in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.
“Individuals accused or arrested on alleged offenses are deemed innocent until proven guilty, and such forms of shaming of Delgado and Karapatan are unwarranted, malicious and illegal,” said Karapatan-SMR in a statement.
Karapatan has yet to talk with its former secretary-general recently arrested over alleged involvement in illegal drugs, but the group emphasized that he be accorded with due process by authorities.
The group also clarified that the talk with Delgado will “ascertain the facts regarding his arrest and case, especially as to whether the reported drug paraphernalia had been planted on his belongings.”
From 2006 to 2010, Delgado served as Karapatan Southern Mindanao’s secretary general.
Karapatan said that while working as human rights worker, Delgado received numerous threats and harassment, including accusations of plotting an assassination against Lieutenant Colonel Randolph Cabangbang. The military official then served as the spokesperson of Eastern Mindanao Command.
“Such accusations were thrown against Delgado three days after Karapatan received classified information from a reliable source from within the military that a Mission Order (MO) has been issued for the “physical elimination” of Kelly by the Eastern Mindanao Command,” Karapatan added.
Delgado already left Karapatan on 2011, but the group suggests that on his current situation “it seems that he is still facing reprisals for his previous human rights work especially from members of the military through the previous trumped-up charges filed against him.” (davaotoday.com)
