Five activists from Tacloban City, Philippines, were arrested on 7 February 2020 over charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives following an illegal raid. The activists, along with other groups that conducted a fact-finding mission about the arrest, however allege multiple violations, including fabrication of evidence, committed by the security forces. We call on the Philippine Department of Justice to promptly, thoroughly, impartially and effectively investigate these allegations and, if proven, to drop all charges against the activists, and ensure their release. The authorities should hold those reasonably suspected to be responsible to account in fair trials.
