Bohol activist and Makabayan Visayas vice president John Ruiz has been released from custody after posting bail.
Ruiz was arrested by operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Region 7 in Cebu City following his participation in an Aug. 31 mobilization. His arrest was based on a warrant tied to a criminal case filed against him.
In a statement, his colleagues and supporters welcomed Ruiz’s release, calling it the result of a united effort by those who responded to calls for his support. They also thanked individuals who helped raise funds for his bail and legal defense.
The group said their fight to defend the right to organize and express dissent continues. They accused authorities of using criminal cases to harass, intimidate and silence activists and leaders of grassroots organizations, and reiterated calls to drop what they called “trumped-up charges” and to uphold people’s democratic right to organize and express their views.
Discover more from Bohol Click
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
