MANILA – Former Party-list Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate slammed the recent conviction of the Talaingod 13—a group of Lumad leaders, teachers, and volunteers—as rooted in a “fabricated case” designed to silence indigenous rights defenders. Zarate, speaking on January 4, 2026, called the Davao Regional Trial Court Branch 10 decision a “grave injustice” that criminalizes advocacy for Lumad schools and self-determination.
The 13 defendants—including Datu Benito Bay-ao, Teresita Naul, and Salugpungan teachers—were sentenced on December 23, 2025, to 4-6 years imprisonment for alleged violation of the Anti-Terrorism Act (RA 11479) and child abuse (RA 7610). Charges stemmed from a 2018 military raid on a Salugpungan community learning center in Talaingod, Davao del Norte, where they were accused of recruiting children into the New People’s Army (NPA).
Zarate, who represented the defendants during initial hearings as Bayan Muna counsel, insisted: “The case was built on planted evidence, coerced witnesses, and false testimonies—no child was ever proven recruited, no weapons found. This is state persecution of indigenous educators protecting their right to culturally relevant schooling.”
Human rights groups like Karapatan and Save Our Schools Network echoed the claim, labeling the verdict a “chilling attack” on Lumad education amid the closure of over 170 Salugpungan schools since 2018 under former President Duterte’s administration.
The defendants plan to appeal, with supporters launching fundraising and awareness campaigns. The case highlights ongoing tensions in Mindanao over indigenous rights, militarization, and counter-insurgency policies.
Conviction Snapshot:
| Defendants | Charges | Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Talaingod 13 | Anti-Terrorism Act; Child Abuse | 4-6 years imprisonment |