Dasig and community health worker Miguela Peniero were arrested and detained under trumped-up charges last July 12, 2023, by the 85th Infantry Battalion. They were wrongfully attested while conducting a field study on the possible while conducting a field study on the possible impacts on farmers and nearby communities of the proposed combined cycle turbine power project and liquefied natural gas terminal plant to be operated by Atimonan One Energy, Inc. (A1E).

Free Owen and Ella Network and the paralegal team were at the Lucena City District Jail this morning, anticipating her release; however, the supposed happy moment was relentlessly delayed and met with a rather cold shoulder from the LCDJ wardens.

The team of paralegals and human rights advocates coordinated with the LCDJ from 8 a.m. yesterday, August 21, 2024, to process Rowena Dasig's release papers and accommodate the LCDJ's procedures, only to be informed this Morning, August 22, 2024, at 7:30 a.m., that Dasig was released without the knowledge of her legal counsel and paralegals.

Despite these allegations and inhumane treatment towards Dasig, her petition for demurrer was granted, dismissing her case for illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, and explosives for lack of evidence. On Aug 13, 2024, Gumaca Regional Trial Court Branch 172 released a decision granting her dismissal. Dasig also holds no pending cases and remains an exemplary model citizen who has since advocated for the environment and youth sector.

Owen’s release is a win for human rights defenders and advocates. But it also looms of worry and fear, which replaced what was supposed to be a joyous moment—that she faces the same injustice she faced in the hands of the 85th Infantry Batallion more than a year after their arrest. Owen was released more than eight hours ago, but her family, legal counsel, and paralegals are still in the dark about her whereabouts and welfare.

During their imprisonment, Dasig and Peniero suffered further injustices. The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) barred paralegals from visiting the political prisoners, depriving them of their right to legal consultation, invalidating the legitimacy of their paralegals whose only aim is to provide and garner support as they undergo a tumultuous legal battle. State forces also harassed activists who conducted a silent protest last March 26 despite only calling for the release of Dasig, Peniero, and their fellow political prisoners.

Dasig's and Peniero's paralegals, Paul Tagle and fellow youth activist Fritz Labiano, faced financing terrorism complaints by the 85th Infantry Battalion, citing the humanitarian aid given to political prisoners Rowena Dasig and Miguela Piniero during their arrest in July 2023.

The dismissal of these trumped-up complaints filed by the 85th Infantry Battalion and other state forces only proves the further abuse of the draconian law against progressives to malign and discredit human rights work.

The network fears Rowena Dasig's safety upon her release due to the constant threat to her life, security, and liberty as an environmental defender. With this, we ask everyone to help us reach Owen to ensure she is safe and in good hands.

#FreeRowenaDasig
#FreeMiguelaPeniero
#FreeAllPoliticalPrisoners