The human rights group Karapatan laughed off claims of a military “witness” that detained security guard Rolly Panesa was a “high ranking rebel leader.”

Cristina Palabay, secretary-general of Karapatan said, “They’ve (AFP) become so unbelievable that they become laughable. Since day one, they have been given out laughable absurd statements. And now, (Panesa’s in jail for) six months because of delaying tactics. Until now, the case has yet to be resolved.”

In the habeas corpus hearing at the Court of Appeals, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) presented its “witness”, Luis Rayos, who pointed to security guard Rolly Panesa as Benjamin Mendoza, supposedly a high-ranked rebel leader with a P5.6 Million bounty.

According to Rayos, he knew Mendoza for a long time because he was formerly part of the NewPeople’s Army, and he that is certain that Panesa and Mendoza are one.

Panesa was abducted together with his wife and stepdaughter on October 7, 2012 in Quezon City under the arrest warrant for Benjamin Mendoza.

Panesa was tortured and made to confess that he is Mendoza. He is still detained at the Special Intensive Care Area of the Bicutan Jail in Taguig City.

Inconsistent testimony

Jiose Panesa, sister of Rolly Panesa, said the military has no case against Panesa. “It is clear that they are losing the case (with) pure lies,” she said.

Maritess Chioco, Panesa’s wife, said that even Rayos’ description of the clothes Panesa wore during his two days in detention was incorrect.

Chioco, whom the military alleged as “Ka Luisa”, wife of “Benjamin Mendoza”, was abducted and detained for two days with Panesa but was released after two days.

Panesa’s relatives also point out that when Rayos was asked about the age and other identifications when he knew Mendoza, his answers contradict both on the presented facts about both the supposed rebel leader and the security guard Panesa.

Meanwhile, lawyer Sarah Jane Fernandez of the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) was unable to present its second witness, and was unable to provide the name of its third witness.

“It is ridiculous that after 10 hearings the identity of the AFP’s third witness is unknown even to the OSG and the Court of Appeals justices. The AFP comes up with every excuse and lie to delay the proceedings,” said Palabay.

Palabay urged the military do just “drop their act”. “They should just admit that they erred (in arresting Panesa), so that he and his family, and others, can finally rest,” said Palabay.

The next hearing for Panesa’s habeas corpus case is on May 3. The court ordered that it will be the last chance for the AFP to present their other two claimed witnesses after failing to present them with Rayos.