NCCP Statement of Solidarity with the Cagayan Valley 11
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:37-40 NIV)
The National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) stands with Anne Marie “Anma” Pascual and all human rights and environmental defenders facing harassment and criminalization for their work in defense of people, communities, and creation.
Anma Pascual, Program Officer for Advocacy and Networking of the NCCP and a member of the Taripnong Secretariat, is among the 11 human rights defenders in Cagayan Valley facing terrorism-financing charges under Section 8 of Republic Act No. 10168, or the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012. The complaint alleges that the respondents provided rice, medicines, and other supplies to members of the New People’s Army. Among the matters cited in support of the allegation are reports of rice that was allegedly buried in two separate containers in 2019, excavated only this year, and found to be partially rotten.
For the NCCP, these are fabricated and malicious allegations that must be outrightly dismissed. We are deeply concerned when laws meant to address terrorism and its financing are used in ways that place human rights defenders, activists, humanitarian workers, and church workers under suspicion for their service to communities.
This is not the first time church workers have been targeted by the state. We remember UMC Pastor Rev. Glofie Baluntong and IFI Deacon Aldeem Yañez, among others, who have also been charged under the “twin terror laws” while carrying out their ministry and service to the people.
Amna is engaged in the human rights team of the NCCP through advocacy, humanitarian response, relief operations, and efforts to protect civic space. Even before joining the NCCP, she led and participated in environmental, humanitarian, and peace missions in communities affected by landlessness, militarization, environmental destruction, and human rights violations. She continues to do these ministries up to this day. Her courageous work has exemplified the inherent dignity of all, as the work of Jesus did.
The NCCP affirms that serving the poor, accompanying communities, documenting human rights violations, providing humanitarian assistance, and defending human dignity are not acts of terrorism. They are the very reason of the church’s mission, and that is to serve the least, the last, and the lost. In a society where democratic spaces are constricted, and culture of fear and impunity is pervasive, these acts of solidarity and ministry to the poor can be a beacon of hope for our people.
The NCCP stands with Anma Pascual and all human rights and land defenders in Cagayan Valley, including the other 10 human rights defenders[1]. The NCCP likewise calls for a serious and transparent review of the human rights impact and implementation of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 and the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012, particularly in cases involving human rights defenders, church workers, humanitarian actors, and communities engaged in legitimate advocacy and service.
As a council of churches, we will continue to walk with the people, especially those who are poor, marginalized, displaced, and deprived of their rights, and pray that these cases be dismissed. We remain committed to a faith that seeks not only the absence of violence, but justice, dignity, peace, and life in all its fullness. #
Signed and issued on this day 25th of September 2026.
(Sgd.) The Most Rev. Brent Harry W. Alawas
Chairperson
(Sgd.) Bishop Joseph G. Agpaoa
Vice Chairperson for Men
(Sgd.) Ms. Jennifer Ferariza-Meneses
Vice-Chairperson for Women
(Sgd.) Rev. Jon Dave A. Angeles
Vice Chairperson for Youth
(Sgd.) Rev. Leonardo R. Morada
Corporate Treasurer
(Sgd.) Ms. Minnie Anne Mata-Calub
General Secretary
________________________
[1] Among those implicated were Renato Gameng of the Danggayan Dagiti Mannalon iti Isabela; Jhames Paredes, former Kabataan Partylist Cagayan Valley regional coordinator; Nelson Escalante, Bayan Muna Cagayan Valley coordinator; Marifel Macalanda, Punganay Cagayan Valley coordinator; and Walter Villegas, Kabataan Partylist regional coordinator.
