The leader of a fishers’ group was arrested in Albay on Sunday, May 30, for alleged illegal possession of firearms, one of the usual charges against activists under the Duterte government.

Elwin Mangampo, president of the Lakas ng mga Maliliit na Mangingisda ng Bicol (Lambat), regional chapter of Pamalakaya in the Bicol region, was arrested by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) around 10 am on Sunday, according to Pamalakaya.

The fishers’ group said Mangampo was nabbed inside his house in Purok 2, Barangay 1, Pio Duran, Albay, for alleged illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

Pamalakaya said authorities planted the evidence. 

Rappler reached out to the PNP-CIDG Albay but they declined to comment on Mangampo’s arrest. 

The operation was conducted through a search warrant released by Judge Edwin Ma-alat of Ligao City Regional Trial Court Branch 11, according to Pamalakaya.

Pamalakaya said police arrived at Mangampo’s house around 3 am, but he was fishing at that time. The PNP-CIDG waited until 10 am and arrested him after. 

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“Mangampo is the elected president of Lakas ng mga Maliliit na Mangingisda ng Bicol, leading small fishers in the region on campaigns for fishing rights and coastal protection. He even facilitated our boat dispersal project in Albay province last March,” Pamalakaya National Chairperson Fernando Hicap said in a statement.

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Police arrest 2 Bicol activists, progressive groups allege planting of evidence

His arrest comes nearly a month after two progressive leaders, on May 2, were also arrested in separate raids in Naga City and Albay. 

Anakbayan Naga City Chairperson Sasah Santa Rosa was nabbed by cops for alleged illegal possession of firearms and explosives. Pastor Dan Balucio was also arrested for the same offense in Barangay San Isidro, Santo Domingo, Albay.  – Rappler.com