By Juliane Judilla
After five years in detention, three farmers from Barangay Mulangan, Igbaras, Iloilo, were temporarily released by the Regional Trial Court Branch 72 on November 25 after bail was set at PHP100,000 each.
Known as the “Mulangan 3,” Roberto Elamparo, 53, his brother-in-law Ruperto Enar, 54, and Ruperto’s younger brother Ramon Enar, 53, were arrested in March 2019.
Soldiers from the 61st Infantry Battalion allegedly ordered them to carry boxes found in an abandoned house.
The farmers were photographed with the boxes and later talken to the Igbaras Municipal Police Station.
The army and police accused the three of illegal possession of firearms and explosives, multiple attempted murder, and direct assault, alleging they were members of the New People’s Army.
Human rights group Panay Alliance Karapatan welcomed the court’s decision, expressing relief but also frustration over the years it took to secure bail.
The group thanked supporters who helped raise funds for the farmers’ release and reiterated their commitment to seeking justice and clearing the charges.
“[The] families and legal counsels are overwhelmed with mixed emotions: joy and relief that they are finally free, but deep sadness and frustration that it took five long years to secure their bail,” the group said in a statement.
“Throughout their ordeal, the Mulangan 3 remained steadfast. Pressure from the government and offers of amnesty did not deter them from pressing on to prove their innocence.
This bittersweet victory reminds us of the long road to justice. Let us continue to support the Mulangan 3 as they fight to clear their names and reclaim their lives,” the group added.
