THE SAN Mateo Regional trial Court (RTC) Branch 76 has convicted Labor organizer Marklen Maojo Maga of possession of firearms and affirmed the legality of his detainment last year. In the May 14 decision penned by Judge Josephine Z. Fernandez, the San Mateo RTC found Mr. Maga guilty beyond reasonable doubt for carrying a loaded .45 caliber pistol without a license. He has been ordered detained at the New Bilibid Prison for a period between eight years and one day to 14 years and eight months. In Feb. 2018, Mr. Maga was arrested by the police, which he said was carried out illegally. The court, however, noted that the arrest was legal with the apprehending officers carrying a warrant. Mr. Maga is a staff and organizer of the left-leaning labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU). Human rights group KARAPATAN Alliance for the Advancement of People’s Rights said in a statement on Monday, “Maoj’s unjust and condemnable conviction is an impetus for human rights advocates, trade unionists and activists to continue pushing back against a climate of political persecution and reprisal.” — Gillian M. Cortez

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