In search for justice and speedy trial, action star Robin Padilla has lent his voice to help human rights defender Cocoy Tulawie’s quest for justice by organizing a salu-salo (mid-lunch) tomorrow March 2, Friday, 2pm at Arya Persian Restaurant, Greenhills Shopping Complex in San Juan, Metro Manila.

Robin, a balik-Islam and Cocoy, Chairperson of the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) became friends after working together on series of philanthropic projects in the poor and marginalized communities in Sulu since 2005.

Tulawie helped Padilla’s Liwanag ng Kapayapaan Foundation, an independent charitable institution.

The Salu-Salo for Cocoy Tulawie aims to discuss, share views and generate media insights concerning the case of Cocoy Tulawie. Padilla is deeply concerned that while a clear decision of the Supreme Court to facilitate the speedy and fair trial of the case has already been reached, its implementation is being impeded by the immediate transfer of case files from the regional trial court of Sulu.

Padilla said, “kailangan po itong mapag-usapan para maliwanagan ang lahat hinggil sa kaso ni Cocoy. Nais po naming imbitahan ang mga kapatid at kaibigan sa salu-salong ito upang makapagpalitan kami ng mga opinion at saloobin sa usaping ito.”

Background on Cocoy:
Cocoy Tulawie is a well-known human rights defender and activist from Sulu. Before his arrest he was active in organizing campaigns to address the rights violations in Muslim communities in the province of Sulu affected by military operations. Just recently Cocoy was nominated for the International Frontline Human Rights Defender Award for the work that he has done in Sulu.

Background of the Case:
Cocoy was arrested by the combined team of the Philippine National Police –Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) Davao, and the Military Intelligence Group Region 9 (MIG-9) last January 13, 2012. He is now currently detained at the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) for the criminal case of multiple frustrated murder filed against him by Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan in connection to a bombing incident in 2009 which injured 12 people including Gov. Tan.

MEDIA ADVISORY
01 March 2012
For Inquiries : Please call Mr. Carlo Cleofe at 09491363787 / 09273359928