A labor NGO praised the courts’ junking of terrorism financing charges against a Cebu-based development NGO, saying this legal victory is a win for the country’s civil society against government repression.

The Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR) welcomed the ruling of the Regional Trial Court Branch 74 in Cebu City junking the terrorism financing charges filed by the military against the officers of Community Empowerment Resource Network, Inc. (CERNET).

“The case filed against CERNET’s officers is weak, but was able to red-tag, harass and threaten the NGO. We are glad that the courts junked the case, but those responsible for these trumped-up charges should be held accountable,” said Kamz Deligente, CTUHR executive director.

The court junked the case accusing CERNET officers, under the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act (Republic Act No. 10168), of failing to prevent the transfer of P135,000 to rebel group New People’s Army (NPA) in September 2012.

The law took effect in June 2012, but the Department of Foreign Affairs had not officially published a list of individuals and organizations designated as terrorists as of September 2012. The prosecutors merely showed news reports about other countries designating the NPA as a terrorist organization.

“The case against CERNET is like most, if not all, cases filed by the military against development workers and labor and other activists. They are based on flimsy evidence but will burden the accused with court matters, financial costs, and stress,” Deligente added.

CTUHR said that under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, many development workers have been charged with terrorism financing charges, spreading fear among the country’s civil society and attacking the human rights of communities that development NGOs serve.

“CERNET’s victory is a win against red-tagging, harassment, threats and repression in general. The country’s civil society should strengthen its unity to defend its ranks against the attacks of a government that does not tolerate independent and critical voices,” said Deligente.

CTUHR and CERNET are members of the Council for People’s Development and Governance (CPDG), a national network of 60 NGOs and people’s organizations that are working for development effectiveness and democratic governance.