National Council of Churches in the Philippines, NUPL hail dismissal of criminal charges vs UCCP pastor
MANILA – The Quezon City-based National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) hailed the dismissal of charges filed against UCCP Pastor Dan Balucio recently.
“We laud the Honorable Court’s decision to side with the truth and justice. This shows that such ridiculous charges against Pastor Balucio and other church workers in similar predicaments are fabricated and meant to harass,” said NCCP General Secretary Bishop Reuel Norman O Marigza.
Bishop Marigza extended his appreciation to Atty. Ricky Tomotorgo and Pastor Dan’s congregation who stood and worked for this victory.
Pastor Dan Balucio is the coordinator of Andurog Mayon, NCCP’s ecumenical partner in humanitarian response operation in the Bicol region.
Legazpi City RTC Branch 10 Judge Maria Theresa San Juan – Loquillano granted the Motion to Quash filed by Atty. Tomotorgo.
Various communities which benefitted from NCCP’s humanitarian response to natural calamities joined the call for Pastor Balucio’s release.
In a separate statement, Atty. Edre Olalia said the National Union of People’s Lawyers are glad and relieved that “this legal pushback is on a roll.”
“Our Courts are stepping up the plate to assert judicial independence against excesses, shortcuts, abuses and even incompetence of our law enforcement agencies in the dubious legal assault on activism,” he said. (Melo M. Acuña)
Comments