Exactly a month after the Pangadas brothers,’ labelled as Lumad Roxas 2’s captivity during President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s State of Nation Address protest, progressive groups urged for the Lumad brothers’ release and called for Lumad rights.

Pangadas brothers, namely Mawing Pangadas, 19, and Ismael Pangadas, 20, were arrested in the streets of Roxas last July 25, 2022.

According to a report from Mindanews, Regional Trial Court Branch 2 Judge Jimmy Bustillo Bocoin from Tagum City, Davao del Norte issued their warrants for violation of the Anti-Trafficking of Persons Act of 2003 last June 7, 2022, which both brothers dismissed through an interview with PTV News Mindanao.

The Lumad Roxas 2’s classmate and Sabokahan member Christine Odot narrated the ‘unfair’ detainment of the two brothers due to the lack of evidence.

“Sa ilahang kaso, gikidnap nila daw tung mga bata nga kauban namo pero dili na siya tinuod kay naa man mi parents’ consent na gipapermahan sa mga ginikanan sa mga bata nga nag-uban sa amua,” Odot told Atenews.

Odot assured that the brothers were studying in the Bakwit schools with online class photos, modules sent in their emails, and parents’ consent as pieces of evidence.

“Daghan man mi witness ana, sa amuang section, sa Grade 11, baynte dos lang mi so sa baynte dos, makasaksi jud mi na dili ina.ana ang ginabuhat nila Mawing. Wala na nila ginakidnap ang mga bata kay mismo, ang mga bata jud gusto nila muuban sa Bakwit school kay kabalo sila kung dili sila makauban sa Bakwit school, dili sila makapadayon sa ilang pagtuon,” she said.

Regarding how this situation reflects the state of the country’s judicial system, the Sabokahan member stated that it signifies the government’s fear of critical youth who are ready to think for themselves and others.

“Dili sila gusto na naay nagababag sa ilahang plano kay naa silay interes, na interes nila na mas mudato pa sila, na interes nila na dili interes sa kadaghanan, dili interes sa katawhan,” she said.

Even if the Pangadas brothers earns their justice, Odot pledged that they will still continue their fight for their rights, especially when oppression fails to cease.

“Dili jud na maundang ang pakigbisog sa katawhan samot na nga apektado, grabe ang epek sa rehimen sugod pa man sa first na president, grabe na ang pag-pang-atake sa atua. So dili jud na maundang samtang ‘di pa mabago ang sistema sa atuang nasod.”

Among the progressive groups were Anakbayan Southern Mindanao Region (SMR), Kilusang Mayo Uno SMR and Kabataan Partylist SMR. The picket rally was held on Freedom Park Roxas Avenue, Davao City.