[Mindanao Examiner] A university professor, who was captured and accused by the military as a communist rebel, is facing criminal charges after authorities filed multiple charges against him, said a Philippine army spokesman on Friday.Troops captured Professor Kim Gargar who was injured in a recent clash in Davao Oriental. An automatic rifle was recovered from him in the village of Aliwagwag where troops also killed a rebel leader of the New People's Army.
Captain Alberto Caber of the Eastern Mindanao Command said, "Gargar is now charged with illegal possession of explosives and firearms, violation of Commission on Elections gun ban and multiple frustrated murders."
Caber said the criminal charges against Gargar, who belongs to NPA Platoon Front 25, told military interrogators that he joined the NPA last year, but previously helped Sison in the production of several books aimed at exploiting villagers in the countryside.
Human rights group Karapatan has called Gargar's arrest and detention illegal, saying the he was wrongfully accused by the military. Cristina Palabay, the group's Secretary General, said, "To throw Professor Kim Gargar in jail on trumped up charges because he wanted to help the (Typhoon) Pablo victims in rehabilitating and developing their communities is not only violating his rights but is also injustice to the communities he is assisting. Professor Gargar should be immediately released."
She said, "The illegal arrest and detention of Gargar is yet another desperate move by the Aquino government to suppress the people's collective action towards meaningful change."