The United People’s Initiative (UPI) issued a stern denunciation on Monday regarding the National Bureau of Investigation’s (NBI) filing of human trafficking and drug charges against the family of former Anakalusugan Party-list Representative Mike Defensor. The coalition characterized the legal action as a “suspicious” maneuver designed to intimidate political opponents.
The controversy follows an April 21 raid on a Pasig City entertainment venue. Authorities allege the establishment, linked to the Defensor-owned Zerrin Development Corporation, was a hub for illegal drug activity and sex trafficking.
While the NBI reported the rescue of dozens of women during the operation, the UPI maintains that the property was leased to third-party operators and that the owners had no involvement in the alleged crimes.
In an official statement, the group asserted:
“Ang mga paratang laban kay dating Cong. Mike Defensor, kanyang asawa na si Atty. Julie Defensor at kanilang anak ay kahina-hinala at malinaw na harassment lamang.”
The UPI, known for organizing protests against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., argued that the case is part of a systemic effort to silence dissenters.
Defensor has recently emerged as a vocal critic of the current administration and a public ally of Vice President Sara Duterte.
According to the coalition:
“Ito ay hindi simpleng law enforcement action, ito ay isang politically motivated operation na may layuning patahimikin ang mga kritiko ng administrasyon.”
The group further accused the government of “selective enforcement,” suggesting that state resources are being weaponized against rivals while pressing national issues remain unaddressed.
“Hindi ito hustisya. Ito ay selective enforcement at abuse of power. Sa dami ng kinakaharap na problema ng bansa—mataas na presyo ng bilihin, kahirapan, at bilyon-bilyong anomalya sa pondo ng bayan—ito ba ang prayoridad?”
NBI Director Melvin Matibag has since rejected claims of political bias, maintaining that the raid was a legitimate enforcement action based on extensive surveillance and physical evidence.
“Wala pong politika dito. Sila (ang) gumawa ng ganyang bagay at kami sa NBI, ang mandato namin ay huliin at pananagutin sa batas ang mga gumagawa ng illegal na bagay,” Matibag stated.