MANILA— Four activists from Cagayan Valley have posted bail before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Tuguegarao City in connection with terrorism financing charges filed against them in August.

The four were identified as peasant leader Renato Gameng, Indigenous Peoples advocate Marifel Macalanda, church worker Anne Pascual, and student activist Jhames Paredes.

In a statement, their supporters described the charges as fabricated, claiming they stemmed from accounts provided by military assets Elnan Tul-ag and Rex Pagbilao.

The two assets were reportedly under the supervision of Cpl. Jefer Laggui of the 95th Infantry Battalion and PMSgt. Roland Pascual of the 203rd Maneuver Company.

While welcoming the activists’ posting of bail, their supporters called for the immediate dismissal of the cases, including those against seven other Cagayan Valley activists.

The remaining individuals facing charges were identified as peasant leaders Isabelo Adviento and Cita Managuelod, Makabayan coordinator Agnes Mesina, human rights worker Jackie Valencia, journalist Deo Montesclaros, and youth activists Walter Villegas and Nelson Escalante.

The group also renewed its call for the repeal of the Anti-Terrorism Act and the Anti-Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act (TFPSA), alleging that the laws have been used to persecute activists in Cagayan Valley and other parts of the country.