Relatives, Colleagues of Morong 43 Hold Caravan to Press for their Release

In Amsterdam, The Netherlands, a petition-signing for the release of the Morong 43 was led by actress Gina Alajar while promoting a film about victims of enforced disappearances “Dukot”. Protest actions were also held in front of the Philippine embassies and consulates in Ottawa and Vancouver in Canada, New York and Los Angeles in the US, and in Denmark. Protest actions were held in San Francisco in the US, Whangarei in New Zealand, Jeddah, Riyadh and Khobar in the Middle East and in Japan.

By RONALYN OLEA
Bulatlat.com

MANILA–Marking the ninth month of detention of the 43 health workers, their relatives and colleagues held a caravan from Quezon City Memorial Circle (QCMC) to Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City, Nov. 6.

The 43 health workers, now collectively known as the Morong 43, were arrested on Feb. 6 in Morong, Rizal by virtue of a search warrant against a certain Mario Condes. Combined elements of police and

Philippine Army troops arrested the health workers and slapped them with illegal possession of firearms and explosives. Condes was not among those arrested and authorities never pursued him after the Feb. 6 raid. The Morong 43 were held in military captivity for almost three months before 38 of them were transferred to a detention facility inside Camp Bagong Diwa. Five have remained under military custody at Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal.

(Photo by Ronalyn V. Olea / bulatlat.com)

The caravan left QCMC at around 8:25 a.m. and arrived at the gate of the Camp Bagong Diwa at around 9:30 a.m. Despite a permit from Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) director Rosendo Dial, participants to the caravan were not allowed to enter Camp Bagong Diwa. Karapatan chairwoman Marie Hilao-Enriquez, Karapatan acting secretary general Roneo Clamor, together with some leaders of human rights and people’s organizations, negotiated with the police. They were told that the Philippine National Police (PNP) is on full alert status and that the police did not receive any notification from the BJMP regarding the request for a visit.

Frustrated, relatives and colleagues of the Morong 43 blocked the right side of the camp’s main gate and shouted, “Free the 43!” The policemen barricaded the entrance and started pushing the supporters away with shields. Tension only eased out when leaders again tried to negotiate with the police.

The police finally allowed legislators and relatives to enter by batches. Present were Anakpawis Rep. Rafael Mariano, Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Emmi de Jesus and ACT Teachers Party Rep. Antonio Tinio. Makabayan leaders Satur Ocampo and Liza Maza also visited the Morong 43.

(Photo by Ronalyn V. Olea / bulatlat.com)

The ecumenical service intended to be held at the chapel inside the camp was conducted outside. Instead of a solidarity lunch with the health workers, relatives and supporters ate outside the camp.

“We are asking why is it taking too long for the Philippine government to release the illegally detained health workers? Justice delayed is clearly justice denied. President Aquino should be made accountable for this travesty of human rights,” Clamor, also husband of Dr. Merry Mia-Clamor, one of the Morong 43, said.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima reviewed the case of the Morong 43 and has forwarded her recommendations to Aquino. While Aquino mentioned referred to the arrest as ‘fruit of a poisonous tree,’ he left the issue of the release of the 43 health workers for the local courts to decide.

International Support

Filipinos and foreign supporters abroad also held mass actions in support of the call to release the health workers.

In Amsterdam, The Netherlands, a petition-signing for the release of the Morong 43 was led by actress Gina Alajar while promoting a film about victims of enforced disappearances “Dukot”.

Protest actions were also held in front of the Philippine embassies and consulates in Ottawa and Vancouver in Canada, New York and Los Angeles in the US, and in Denmark. Protest actions were held in San Francisco in the US, Whangarei in New Zealand, Jeddah, Riyadh and Khobar in the Middle East and in Japan. (Bulatlat.com)