Ocampo, Castro conviction show mettle of NTF-ELCAC’s legal offensive

July 20, 2024

The successful conviction of former representative Satur Ocampo and Association of Concerned Teachers (ACT) partylist Rep. France Castro marks a significant milestone for the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC)'s Legal Cooperation Cluster (LCC), demonstrating their commitment to upholding the rule of law and combating communist terrorism.

“This conviction in the first level court is very special and it’s very important to us dahil dito sa setting na ito kung saan nakikita nila yung mismong testigo kung umiiyak ba, manhid ba, yun yung mga behavioral aspects na hindi na makikita ng Court of Appeals at Supreme Court. So, with this decision, [yes they have legal remedies] but this is a very big win for the Philippine government and the NTF-ELCAC,” Atty. Jose Dominic Clavano, spokesperson of the Department of Justice (DOJ) during a press conference last week.

The LCC is in charge of case build up and filing of appropriate cases against suspected individuals and groups involved in terror activities.

In his report to NTF-ELCAC recently, Atty. James Clifford Santos, spokesperson for NTF-ELCAC LCC, emphasized that the cluster's successes in the 1st semester of this year are a direct result of its unwavering commitment to due process, meticulous legal work, and collaborative efforts with other law enforcement agencies and legal organizations.

He highlighted the LCC's robust case management system, noting that "the cluster has successfully resolved over 736 cases, demonstrating its efficiency and effectiveness in handling complex legal matters."

The case of Ocampo and Castro is included in the long list of cases being handled by the LCC.

The LCC has been actively involved in over 3,000 cases, including Karapatan Alliance Philippines, Inc et al v. Rodrigo Roa Duterte et al, Castro v. Dela Cruz, Bolinget, et al. v. Anti-Terrorism Council, et al., Republic of the Phils v. Gabriela Women's Party, and Lariosa v. Gomez, et al., demonstrating its extensive legal expertise and its critical role in the NTF-ELCAC's mission.

Of the 3,052 total cases, 1,365 of which are active; 244 are under Preliminary Investigation and/or Pending Resolution; 736 are Archived; 46 were for Conviction and/or the defendants already pleaded guilty, according to the LCC 1st Semestral CY 2024 Accomplishment Report.

The LCC’s success is further underscored by its focus on "orderly and prompt dispensation of justice” and its efforts to “lobby for legal reforms.” The agency's commitment to continuous improvement is evident in its ongoing efforts to enhance legal practices, Santos said.

The LCC is actively pursuing training and development programs for prosecutors and law enforcers, according to the report, focusing on proper case buildup, emerging technologies, and intelligence gathering techniques.

This dedication to professional development ensures that the LCC remains at the forefront of combating communist terrorism and upholding the rule of law, said Santos.

The LCC’s forward-looking vision is also reflected in its key recommendations, such as:

- Filing for a Petition for Proscription: This would seek to officially designate certain groups as terrorist organizations, further strengthening the legal framework for combating terrorism.

- Reviewing Amnesty Benefits: This would ensure that the amnesty process is fair and transparent, while also deterring individuals from engaging in terrorist activities.

- Enhancing Cybersecurity Measures: This would protect sensitive information and prevent the misuse of technology by terrorist groups.

These recommendations underscore the LCC's commitment to a comprehensive approach to combating communist terrorism, ensuring that all aspects of the threat are addressed effectively.

The conviction of Ocampo and Castro is a significant development in the NTF-ELCAC's efforts to address communist terrorism. The LCC, through its focus on upholding the rule of law and ensuring due process, has played a crucial role in this case.

NTF-ELCAC Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. commended the LCC for its unwavering commitment to justice and its vital role in safeguarding national security.

Torres reiterated that Ocampo and Castro, both found guilty of crimes of child abuse or child exploitation, will now be held accountable for their actions.

"This conviction is not just about the individuals involved; it upholds the rule of law and ensures that those who exploit vulnerable sectors of our society are held accountable," Torres stated.

"This conviction is a proof of their malicious intent and why they are calling for the abolition of the NTF-ELCAC. Our fight doesn’t end here; as we pursue our mandate of ending the CPP-NPA-NDF, our efforts will be just as relentless until the very last terror groomer and child abuser is held accountable for endangering the Filipino," Torres concluded.

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NTF-ELCAC MEDIA BUREAU

Ref: Joel M. Sy Egco

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