The NTF-Elcac, in a statement, said it would file a new set of criminal complaints against the seven individuals, known now as “Bakwit School 7” in Cebu City, for violating Republic Act No. “This is a separate and distinct offense,” said lawyer Marlon Basantog, task force spokesperson for legal affairs and Indigenous People’s concern. Complaints of kidnapping, human trafficking and serious illegal detention had been dropped against the seven individuals, who were either evacuees themselves or volunteer teachers. The seven individuals, or Bakwit 7 School Cebu, had been red-tagged by police and military. In its statement, the NTF-Elcac said the lumad minors were being trained as New People’s Army combatants.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer May 19, 2021 11:35 UTC