Dumagat political prisoners Rocky Torres and Dandoy Avellaneda released after trumped-up charges dismissed

Katribu Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas welcomes the dismissal of fabricated charges against Dumagat political prisoners Rocky Torres and Abelardo “Dandoy” Avellaneda, leading to their release on May 9, 2026, after nearly eight years of unjust detention since May 14, 2018.

On the anniversary of their arrest, allies, advocates, and those who campaigned for the release of Rocky and Dandoy gathered for a thanksgiving forum in Quezon City. “Lubos ang pasasalamat ko sa lahat ng tumulong sa amin, sa mga naglantad ng inhustisya,” said Dandoy, “At sana po ay umabot ang aming pasasalamat sa kanila.”

The forum surfaced the experiences of Rocky and Dandoy in detention and discussed the continuing situation faced by Indigenous Peoples and political prisoners. It recalled the rights violations that transpired, such as when Rocky and Dandoy were illegally arrested and detained by state forces in Barangay Umiray, General Nakar, Quezon Province, following an alleged encounter between the New People’s Army (NPA) and elements of the 80th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army in Sitio Dadiangao and Sitio Libutan, Brgy. Umiray.

Military personnel accused the two of being NPA members and subjected them to torture and coercion to force confessions. They were later charged with murder and illegal possession of firearms and explosives—charges that have now been dismissed.

Human rights workers who were able to visit them shortly after their arrest documented bruises and physical injuries sustained during detention in Camp Guillermo Nakar in Lucena City. They were later transferred to Camp Bagong Diwa, where both endured worsening health conditions, including pulmonary tuberculosis contracted while in detention. For years, they were deprived of the opportunity to be with their families and communities.

The release of Rocky and Dandoy marks another significant victory against political repression and the criminalization of Indigenous Peoples and rights defenders. Last year, Manobo activist Julieta Gomez and Lumad rights advocate Niezel Velasco were also acquitted after nearly four years of imprisonment on fabricated charges.

“These consecutive legal victories affirm that truth and justice prevail despite relentless attacks against Indigenous Peoples and advocates fighting for ancestral land, rights, and self-determination,” Claver said.

However, she stressed that justice remains incomplete without accountability.

“Rocky and Dandoy should never have been arrested and imprisoned in the first place. No court decision can return the years stolen from them, the suffering they endured, and the time lost with their loved ones,” Claver stated.

After the forum, Rocky, Dandoy, their families, and advocates lobbied at the Commission on Human Rights to pursue a complaint against the military for the illegal arrest, torture, and prolonged detention inflicted upon them, asserting that the violations they suffered merit both accountability and indemnification.

Katribu called for accountability from Rodrigo Duterte, as it is under his administration and programs that Rocky and Dandoy were arrested. In this light, Katribu supported the call to arrest Bato dela Rosa, to convict Rodrigo Duterte, and to hold Sara Duterte accountable. Katribu also condemned the continuing arrests and detention of Indigenous Peoples and activists under the Marcos Jr. administration’s intensified campaign of political persecution and counterinsurgency. The group cited the cases of other Indigenous political prisoners and rights defenders who remain detained on fabricated charges, including Michelle Campos, Loida Magpatoc, Emilio Gabales III, Aldeem Yanez, Kennedy Bangibang, and many others.

“We will continue our struggle until justice is achieved and the democratic rights and aspirations of the oppressed peoples of the Philippines are upheld,” Claver said.

Reference:

Funa-ay Claver

Secretary-General, Katribu

Katribu Public Information Desk

+63 969 024 4465

information@katribu.net