Website update: Evidence planting allegations reiterated, accusations of fabricated charges strengthened
Philippines: Activists Known as the "Sta. Cruz 5" Acquitted of Fabricated Charges
In a landmark decision, the Taguig Regional Trial Court acquitted five activists, known as the "Sta. Cruz 5," on August 6, 2025. The acquittal was based on "significant lapses in the evidentiary trail" and reasonable doubt over the identity, integrity, and admissibility of firearms and explosives allegedly found in their possession.
The five individuals — Adelberto Silva, a consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines on labor reforms; Hedda Calderon, a social worker and member of Gabriela Women's Party; Edisel Legaspi, a farmer of organic produce; Ireneo Atadero, an organizer of national labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno; and Julio Lusania, their driver and companion — were arrested in Sta. Cruz, Laguna in October 2018. They were handcuffed, forced to lie face down on a highway, and later evidence such as guns and explosives were planted inside their vehicle by arresting officers.
These charges were deemed trumped-up and part of a broader pattern of political persecution against activists, according to rights groups. The Public Interest Law Center provided legal assistance during the trial, and the acquittal signals judicial recognition that the government's use of planted evidence against activists should be rejected.
The court's decision calls for the acquittal of other political prisoners from the labor movement and those facing similar charges. The imprisonment of the Sta. Cruz 5 for almost seven years is considered a human rights violation and injustice.
The acquittal indicts the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, which masterminded and implemented the arrest of activists, especially under the Duterte regime. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is condemned for refusing to abolish and continuing to finance the National Task Force.
The court's decision is considered a victory for the Filipino workers, progressive organizations, and the mass movement in the country. It is also seen as another proof that the government has been using planted evidence and fabricated cases against activists. The immediate release from prison is demanded for Legaspi and Atadero, as Calderon has already been released.
This acquittal highlights the government's policy, especially under the Rodrigo Duterte presidency, of imprisoning activists through trumped-up charges and planted evidence. However, the court decision indicates that the country's courts can end human rights violations and injustice inflicted on activists in the country.
- The Philippines' government has been criticized for using planted evidence and fabricated cases against activists, as indicated by the acquittal of the Sta. Cruz 5.
- The acquittal of the Sta. Cruz 5 has signaled judicial recognition that the government's use of planted evidence against activists should be rejected, according to the Public Interest Law Center.
- The court's decision has shown that it is possible for the country's courts to end human rights violations and injustice inflicted on activists, in this specific case involving the Sta. Cruz 5.
- The court's decision calls for the acquittal of other political prisoners facing similar charges in the Philippines, suggesting a broader systemic issue of politically motivated persecution in the country's justice system.
