A human rights group has denounced the financial terrorism charges filed against two pastors of the United Methodist Church (UMC) in Zamboanga Sibugay. The pastors had extended sanctuary to individuals claiming their lives were in danger—a fundamental act of compassion they say is being unjustly criminalized.
Grecian T. Asoy, spokesperson for Karapatan Southern Mindanao, called the charges “trumped-up” and baseless, accusing authorities of weaponizing the law against the church leaders.
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) filed the complaint last December against Rev. Julius Neri Camannong, superintendent of UMC in Zamboanga Peninsula; and Rev. Joel Ordaneza, administrative pastor of the UMC in Balingasan, Siay town.
The CIDG in Zamboanga del Sur has not yet responded to Inquirer about the case.
The Case
The incident, according to Asoy, began in January last year when two individuals traveled from Midsayap, Cotabato, to seek refuge at the UMC in Zamboanga Sibugay.
Friends of the pastors had vouched for the pair, prompting the church leaders to open their doors as an act of service to those in need.
However, Karapatan claims one of the individuals, Nelson Bautista Jr., later fabricated a story accusing the pastors of financing terrorism.
This allegation, reportedly backed by the CIDG, led to the filing of charges under Republic Act 10168, the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012. Alongside the pastors, a driver-for-hire, Romeo A. Russel, was also implicated.
“Persecution of Church Workers”
Asoy emphasized that the pastors had minimal knowledge of Bautista. A mutual connections referred him to them, he said.
He argued that the case represents a broader pattern of persecution against church workers under the current administration.
“These charges are an outrageous attempt to vilify acts of kindness and compassion,” Asoy said.
In their counter affidavits filed on January 9, the pastors said they only provided temporary refuge. They categorically denied financing any activity or individuals tied to terrorism. The pastors asserted that their actions were consistent with the church’s mission to help those in distress.
Karapatan’s Call to Action
Karapatan has demanded an immediate halt to what they describe as the administration’s “relentless hostility” toward church workers and peace advocates. Also, the group urged authorities to cease the arbitrary filing of cases that undermine the work of individuals committed to human rights and social justice.
“These fabricated charges are not just attacks on the church but also on the values of compassion and solidarity,” Asoy said.
As the case unfolds, the plight of the accused pastors serves as a grim reminder of the challenges faced by those who dare to act in service of others in the Philippines today.
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