Philippine court dismisses terrorism financing case against rights group Cernet

Civil society groups in the Philippines have welcomed a court decision to drop terrorism financing charges against a development organisation and its staff. The Tacloban Regional Trial Court dismissed the case against Community Empowerment Resource Network Inc. (Cernet), its officers, and council members due to weak evidence and procedural flaws. Legal experts and activists described the ruling as a significant victory for human rights defenders. The charges stemmed from allegations linking Cernet’s work to insurgency financing. However, the court found insufficient proof and noted the absence of a valid terrorist designation—a key legal requirement. The National Union of Peoples' Lawyers (NUPL) argued that the case lacked essential elements from the outset.

Lawyers and advocates praised the dismissal as a rebuke to the misuse of counterterrorism laws. NUPL Secretary General Josalee Deinla warned that such cases increasingly target humanitarian work and legitimate advocacy. Carlos Conde, founder of *Rights Reports Philippines*, stressed that development efforts should never be treated as criminal acts. The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac) accepted the court’s decision but maintained the government’s duty to probe terrorism-related claims. Executive Director Ernesto Torres Jr. clarified that activism and humanitarian aid are not crimes, though he cautioned against dismissing all insurgency financing investigations as political persecution. Environmental Legal Assistance Center (Elac) Director Raffy Pajares and Sanlakas Secretary General Aaron Pedrosa both hailed the ruling as a turning point. Pedrosa called it a 'watershed moment' for rights defenders facing similar accusations.

The court’s decision removes the legal threat against Cernet and its staff. It also underscores ongoing concerns about the application of anti-terrorism measures in the Philippines. While the government retains investigative powers, rights groups continue to push for clearer safeguards against arbitrary prosecutions.