MEMBERS of the Philippine National Police and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group raided the homes of two youth leaders in Bicol on Sunday.

Sasah Sta. Rosa, spokesperson of Jovenes Anakbayan and chairperson of Anakbayan Naga City, was arrested by 10 state forces in her home in Villa Obiedo, Cararayan, Naga City, Camarines Sur, the group said in a Facebook post.

It claimed that state forces ordered Sta. Rosa’s family to go outside so they can search the entire house and plant evidence.

“Puwersahang pinalabas ang pamilya, pinasok ang bahay, at pinadapa ang tito nito bago pa man basahin ang iprinisintang search warrant,” Anakbayan Naga City said.

“Ayon sa pamilya, mga 40 minuto na naghanap at naghalughog sa bahay ang mga unipormadong personahe. Pagkalabas ng mga ito ay dala-dala na ang isang bag na may laman na mga baril, granada, at pulang bandera,” it added.

Police Gen. Debold Sinas said that Sta. Rosa is in the custody of CIDG-Camarines Sur for investigation.

Sinas added that the CIDG had a search warrant signed by Judge Edgar Armes of the Legazpi City Regional Trial Court.

Meanwhile, 2nd year Bicol University student and Youth Act Now Against Tyranny-Bicol Spokesperson Justine Mesias was accused of possessing a. 45 caliber gun and explosives in Daraga, Albay.

YANAT-Bicol said a team broke into Mesias’s house at 4 a.m.

It alleged that members of the raiding team pointed guns at Mesias and other family members before searching their house for two hours.

“Tinatayang 40 na pinagsamang puwersa ng CIDG at PNP ang dumating sa kanilang tahanan at 20 dito ang puwersahang pumasok sa bahay at sinira ang kanilang pinto. Inabot ng dalawang oras ang pamamalagi ng mga puwersa ng estado sa bahay nina Mesias,” YANAT-Bicol said.

However, Mesias was not arrested because he was not at home when the raid happened.

Several groups denounced what they called deliberate attempts by some government agencies to suppress critical thinking.

“The Collge Editors Guild of the Philippines strenuously castigates this blatant attack on activists specifically the youth sector which only aims to serve the masses’ interests,” CEGP said in a statememt.

Anakbayan Naga City, on the other hand, said the arrest has no basis.

“Hindi dumadaan sa tama at legal na proseso ang estado para kagyat na pigilan ang mga aktibista. Patunay lamang ito na desperado ang rehimen para patahimikin ang demokratikong paglaban ng mga mamamayan,” it said.

YANAT-Bicol urged the PNP and CIDG to drop charges against the youth leaders and immediately release Sta. Rosa.