Arrest of Philippine church worker sparks anger

Religious groups accuse authorities of targeting tribal people helper with trumped up murder charges.

Lay workers of the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines call for the release of Amelia Pond who arrested on Aug. 19. (Photo courtesy of the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines)

Manila:  Members of the Philippine clergy and religious groups are calling for the release of a church worker arrested by police for murder in Cebu City on Aug. 19.

Police arrested Amelia Pond, a 64-year old worker for the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines, accusing her of a "double murder" and "frustrated (attempted) murder" allegedly committed in Compostela Valley province in the southern region of Mindanao.

Her supporters say she is the victim of trumped up charges because of her work helping tribal communities.

"The cases filed against [Pond] are baseless and violated her basic human rights," said Sister Ellen Belardo, national coordinator of the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines.

"We urge President Rodrigo Duterte to take immediate action on Pond's case," said Sister Belardo. She said Pond’s arrest is "clear harassment" of missionary workers who are working with tribal people.

Pond teaches at a tribal school that has been accused by the military of sheltering communist rebels.

"We had been repeatedly harassed by government troops as we continue to provide education and other social services for poor and indigenous peoples in communities in Mindanao," said Sister Francis Añuver, also of the Rural Missionaries.

Father Peter Geremia of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions said Pond’s arrest "is a disturbing sign."

"I condemn this action," said the Italian missionary priest.

The Commission on Social Advocacies of the Archdiocese of Cebu also condemned "in the strongest possible terms the unjust arrest" of Pond.

"She is a living example of a Christian committed to serve the least and the neglected of our society," said Father Nazario Vocales.

The priest said Pond's "unselfish service" paved the way for development in tribal communities.

Father Vocales described Pond as a "strong woman of faith" who is not afraid to confront government troops who are suspected of supporting illegal mining and logging activities in hinterland villages.

"She earned the ire of the greedy and the unjust who fabricated lies and unjustly trumping up charges against her," said Father Vocales.

Source: UCAN