NEW JUDGE ASSIGNED TO ANTI-TERROR CASE INVOLVING ACTIVISTS LABELED AS TERRORISTS

Judge Hilario Belmes of Baguio RTC Branch 78 has assumed oversight of an ongoing case challenging the government’s designation of four indigenous activists as terrorists. The previous judge recused herself due to alleged bias claims from the Solicitor General’s office. This lawsuit tests the legal grounds of antiterrorism classifications and the authority of the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) and Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to designate individuals without clear due process. The case spotlights concerns over judicial impartiality in sensitive national security matters, with rights advocates urging a fair and thorough review of government actions.