Urgent Appeal Updates...

 

Release and Safeguard Community Health Workers

SUA100211(1)

13 October 2010

 

On 28 September 2010, the Chairperson of Commission on Human Rights, Leila de Lima, was directed by President Benigno Aquino III to review the case of the “Morong 43” and make recommendations.  She would particularly look into the validity of the arrest warrant and their detention as well as the basis for filing criminal charges against them..  Ms de Lima added that President’s directive was prompted by the urge of international pressure. 

The 43 illegally-arrested community health workers, are still in military custody in Camp Bagong Diwa while one of the arrested was released temporarily in July to give birth to her first baby.  However, the court ruled that Carina Judilyn Oliveros, the pregnant detainee, must be returned to the jail after 3 months of her giving birth. 

 

The efforts to release the Morong 43 are on-going.  On 17 September 2010, the relatives of the Morong 43, supporters and human rights advocates staged a fast in front of the Ninoy Aquino monument in Quezon Avenue to ask for the release of the Morong 43, as well as about 150 political prisoners in the country.  The protest was echoed by human rights concerned groups around the world, such as Auckland, Canada and Germany

 

ACPP issued SUA100211(1), requesting the authorities to release the health workers immediately and stop torturing them.

 

Sources: Karapatan, freethehealthworkers.blogspot.com and local source.