MANILA, Philippines – At least two militant groups have called out the government for the sedition complaints filed against Vice President Leni Robredo and other opposition personalities, saying that it is just a way to silence critics of the government. On Thursday, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) filed sedition and other complaints against Robredo and 35 other individuals, including Senators Leila de Lima, Risa Hontiveros, former senators Bam Aquino and Antonio Trillanes. READ: Sedition case filed vs Robredo, 35 others over ‘Bikoy’ videosREAD: Project Sodoma: ‘Bikoy’ says opposition wanted Duterte oustedADVERTISEMENTRobredo’s camp has already labeled the complaints as merely based on hearsay, while others have chided Malacañang for its hand on the case. READ: Robredo camp says sedition case mere harassment, ‘kwentong kutsero’READ: Palace denies hand on sedition case vs Robredo, others over ‘Bikoy’ videosAccording to Bayan Muna chair Neri Colmenares, this pattern of charging and arresting critics has been a part of the Duterte administration’s blueprint. “This is gravely and highly condemnable act; it uses the same template the Duterte regime utilized against progressives and activists.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer July 19, 2019 04:18 UTC