Lawyers of the Lumad teachers and two party-list representatives have filed a motion of appeal to overturn the Tagum City court’s decision that convicted them of child abuse over their rescue of distressed Lumad students in Talaingod.
A Tagum City court ruled that a legislator, a veteran activist, ten Lumad school teachers, and four others were guilty of violating Republic Act 7610 or child abuse and exploitation over an incident during a rescue mission of Lumad students and teachers who were harassed in Talaingod, Davao del Norte.
A Talaingod chieftain found freedom after three years of detention as the Tagum City court acquitted him of trafficking Lumad students.
The Pangadas brothers are thankful for the support they received and vow to continue their advocacy despite the hardship they endured in detention.