CIDG Arrests Activist in Bacolod for Terrorism Financing
BACOLOD CITY — Operatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) apprehended a Negrense activist on Tuesday in Barangay Villamonte, Bacolod City. The arrest was made on charges related to the alleged violation of the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012.
Felipe Levy Gelle, who previously worked as an advocacy staff for the Paghidaet sa Kauswagan Development Group and volunteered for the Human Rights Advocates Negros, was taken into custody under an arrest warrant. The warrant was issued by Judge Cyril Regalado of the Regional Trial Court Branch 31 in Iloilo City on January 15, 2025.
Bail Set and Detention Details
According to Col. Arwin Tadeo, chief of CIDG-Negros Island Region, bail was set at P200,000 on Thursday, June 26. Gelle is currently detained at the CIDG-Negros Island Region office located in Camingawan, Bacolod City.
The CIDG has returned the arrest warrant and is awaiting the issuance of a commitment order for Gelle’s transfer to a jail facility designated by the court, local authorities said.
Activist Denies Charges, Claims Red-Tagging
Gelle has denied the accusations, claiming he is a victim of red-tagging. He insists the charges were fabricated by members of the Philippine Army, sources said. The terrorism financing case was initially filed in Iloilo on December 3, 2024.
This arrest highlights ongoing concerns about the application of the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act in activist communities, where allegations of political persecution have been raised.
For more news and updates on terrorism financing cases, visit Filipinokami.com.