Published March 6, 2021, 12:52 PM An advocacy group has urged the regional trial courts (RTCs) in Manila and Quezon City to dismiss the charges and order the release of five other persons who were arrested last Dec. 10 and charged with illegal possession of firearms and explosives. In a statement, Kapatid – a support group of families and friends of political prisoners – aired the call after the Mandaluyong City RTC last Friday, March 5, affirmed its decision that dismissed the charges against journalist Lady Ann D. Salem and trade unionist Rodrigo S. Esparago and ordered their release. It said Romina Astudillo, Mark Ryan Cruz, Joel Demate, Jayme Gregorio and Dennise Velasco were arrested and charged like Salem and Esparago.