Manobo woman activist Julieta Gomez and Lumad rights advocate Niezel Velasco acquitted after nearly four years of injustice

April 20, 2025 | Quezon City, Philippines — On April 8, 2025, the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 91 acquitted Manobo woman activist Julieta Gomez and Lumad rights advocate Niezel Velasco of trumped-up charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives. The court ruling puts an end to nearly four years of unjust incarceration for a crime that never happened.

Left to right: Niezel Velasco, Julieta Gomez

Their acquittal has been welcomed with joy by their families, colleagues, and communities. Yet it also highlights the continuing injustice faced by nearly 800 political prisoners in the Philippines—including at least 80 Indigenous political prisoners—who continue to languish in jail on similarly fabricated charges.

"The arrest and prolonged detention of Gomez and Velasco happened under the Duterte administration, marked by intensified state repression against Indigenous Peoples and their defenders," said Beverly Longid, national convener of Katribu Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas. "Despite their acquittal, the police and false witnesses responsible for their wrongful arrest and detention have yet to be held accountable. Justice remains elusive as impunity persists."

Both Gomez and Velasco have vowed to continue advocating for Indigenous Peoples' rights. Their courage is a powerful reminder that criminalizing resistance will never silence the call for justice.

Reference:

Beverly Longid

KATRIBU National Convener