Judge acquits 'Himamaylan seven' in murder case due to lack of evidence

The Kabankalan City Regional Trial Court Branch 61 acquitted seven individuals, including United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) pastor Jimie Teves, of two counts of murder and seven counts of frustrated murder on Monday, November 18, 2024.

Presiding Judge Rodney Magbanua ruled that the prosecution failed to prove the defendants' guilt beyond a reasonable doubt due to insufficient evidence and procedural irregularities during the investigation.

The accused were charged with attacking and firing at Philippine Army soldiers in Kabankalan City on May 12, 2018, allegedly as members of the Communist Party of the Philippines and New People's Army. All acquitted individuals are church workers and farmers.

Judge Magbanua noted that despite the lack of evidence from the defendants aside from denial and alibi, their arguments were credible due to doubts about witness reliability and procedural issues identified by rights group Kapatid.

The court highlighted inconsistencies in the soldiers' testimonies regarding their ability to identify assailants during community interactions.

Defense lawyer Rey Gorgonio stated that his clients, known as the 'Himamaylan seven,' were red-tagged and falsely accused by authorities, emphasizing that justice was not served by imprisoning innocent individuals.