In response to the illegal arrest of six farmers and indigenous peoples’ organizers in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur, last June 2023, various progressive groups gathered to launch the Free Agusan 6 Network, calling for the immediate release and complete dismissal of the trumped-up charges filed against them.

The Agusan 6 consisted of Charisse “Chaba” Bañez, Louvaine Erika “Beng” Espina, Arjie Dadizon, Ronnie Igloria, Larry Montero, and Grace “Nik-nik” Man-aning, who were stopped and arrested at a checkpoint without a warrant of arrest. Firearms and explosives were allegedly planted as evidence by elements of the 66th Infantry Battalion, 67th Infantry Battalion, 2nd Agusan del Sur Police Mobile Force Company, and Bunawan Municipal Police during a joint operation.

KARAPATAN – Southern Mindanao Region (SMR) reported that the Agusan 6 were subjected to psychological torture under police custody, denial of immediate communication with their families, and relentless interrogations.

On top of these abuses of discretion, the Agusan 6 faced separate trumped-up charges: Bañez and Dadizon were accused of attempted and multiple homicide, while Espina was charged with attempted homicide, which were eventually dismissed. 

Despite these dismissals, authorities persisted in linking the detainees to fabricated armed encounters, prolonging their unjust detention.

At a recent press conference, KARAPATAN SMR Representative Grecian Asoy revealed multiple grave misconducts in the arrest of the Agusan 6, such as fabrication of evidence and the delayed reading of their arrest warrants, which were reportedly read only two days post-apprehension.

“Wala pong nakuha sa kanila na firearms or any explosives or anything na mag warrant ng effect of such warrant [of arrest] sana… duon na sa pagbasa ng warrant may nakalista na doon na mga firearms… it means its planted evidence,” she said. 

Free Agusan 6 Spokesperson Fauzhea Guiani asserted that peasant organizers like Chaba work to mobilize and represent farmers’ rights and that such advocacy is often subjected to state red-tagging.  

“Sila ay peasant organizers ibig sabihin ino-organisa nila yung mga magsasaka doon… layunin nila na makapag rebuild ng mga association, unyon ng mga pisante kaya umiikot sila sa Mindanao at hindi na bago sa atin yung grabeng militarisasyon,” she explained.

Guiani further pointed out the systematic pattern of repression and multiple human rights violations committed against peasant organizers under the Marcos administration, framed as counter-insurgency efforts. 

“Ang mga pauli-ulit na malinaw na bahagi na pakana ng pasistang estado na pinamumunuan ni Marcos Jr. upang gawing institusiyonal ang de facto marital law… napasailalim ito sa tagging ng anti-insurgency efforts at kasama rito ang militarisasyon sa kanayunan,” she added. 

Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) League of Filipino Students Chairperson and one of Agusan 6 Network convenors, Daniel Sosa, accentuated that red-tagging is a widespread tactic targeting not only peasant leaders but also other community organizers.

“Lumang tugtugin nato ng state na i-repress ang mga leaders… easiest way possible na repression na kayang gawin ng state sa mga lider-estudyante na katulad namin ay I-redtag as members of CPP-NPA-NDF.”

Leaders from allied organizations and human rights groups affirmed that this struggle represents a continuing fight for accountability, human rights, and social change across Mindanao.

The Free Agusan 6 Network was launched on August 23, followed by a press conference on August 26.