Letter to the Editor: The Philippine Star (PhilStar)

Letter to the Editor

The Philippine Star (PhilStar)

​This is in reference to your news article “NPA finance officer nabbed in Bohol” by Emmanuel Tupas dated May 25, 2025. In the said news article, it reported that “an alleged finance officer of the New People’s Army (NPA) was arrested in Talibon, Bohol on Wednesday, according Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG). Gen. Nicolas Torre III said that the suspect, identified only as Carmilo, was collared in barangay Poblacion based on a warrant of arrest for violation of Republic Act 10168, or the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act.

I am Carmilo Tabada of barangay Poblacion, Trinidad, Bohol. I am a barangay councilor of Barangay Poblacion since 2018 and currently serving my second term as a barangay councilor. In your news article, although it only mentioned “Carmilo” without a surname, it clearly pertains to me. I am the only person from Barangay Poblacion, Trinidad who is under the jurisdiction of the court of Talibon facing a case for alleged violation of Republic Act 10168, or the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act.

The said news article clearly endangers my life and tarnished my integrity as a person and a public official. The CIDG allegation that I was nabbed or collared is not true. The fact is, I voluntarily presented myself in Court and to the Chief of Police in Talibon to immediately post my bail last May 20, 2025, upon learning a warrant was issued. General Nicolas Torre was not there nor any CIDG personnel during the process. I was never handcuffed. The photo of a handcuffed person shown in your news is definitely not me. I hope The Philippine Star, as a credible newspaper should have been more circumspect, to check the veracity of the story. Furthermore, it is better for Philippine Star not to use fake photos if there is none available. I believe that General Torre is a person of integrity and adherent to the rule of law. General, sir, please check on the veracity of information given to you by your men on the ground. Apparently, in my case, you are fed with fake or wrong information.

"The said news article, clearly endangers my life and tarnished my integrity as a person and a public official. The CIDG allegation that I was nabbed or collared is not true. The fact is, I voluntarily presented myself in Court and to the Chief of Police in Talibon to immediately post my bail last May 20, 2025 upon learning a warrant was issued. General Nicolas Torre was not there nor any CIDG personnel during the process. I was never handcuffed. The photo of a handcuffed person shown in your news is definitely not me."

What is worst is that, General Torre of CIDG said “Carmilo is the fourth most wanted fugitive in Central Visayas for being the rebel group’s financial officer without any proof of such a statement. I am vehemently belying this accusation and condemning this baseless and careless pronouncement and accusation of a PNP-CIDG officer who is supposed to serve and protect human rights of every citizen.

Yes, I was an NGO worker helping the Boholano farmers in their land rights assertion and sustainable food production for many years, until I was elected as barangay Councilor of Poblacion, Trinidad, Bohol in 2018. In June 25, 2021, at 1 am in the morning, my house was raided by elements of PNP CIDG. I was arrested, detained and charged with illegal possession of firearms and explosives. Despite the absurdity of the charge, I was in prison for more than a year. The trumped-up charge of illegal possession of firearms and explosives was eventually dismissed by the court. I ran again as a barangay councilor and won in 2023. I thought, I could already live in peace and safety with my family. But then, in December 24, 2024, I received a subpoena for another complaint of “terrorist financing.” I am prepared to face the fabricated case against me in court confident of my innocence.

Despite the absurdity of the charge, I was in prison for more than a year. The trumped-up charge of illegal possession of firearms and explosives was eventually dismissed by the court. I ran again as a barangay councilor and won in 2023. I thought, I could already live in peace and safety with my family. But then, in December 24, 2024, I received a subpoena for another complaint of “terrorist financing.” I am prepared to face the fabricated case against me in court confident of my innocence.

Trusting that the mainstream media should not be a tool of ‘fake news and information” peddler, I hope my side of the story will be given weight to ensure my safety and integrity. I am very hopeful of your favorable action.

Carmilo Tabada

Barangay Councilor

Barangay Poblacion, Trinidad, Bohol.