Relatives and supporters of the “Morong 43” stage a protest action on Monday outside the Court of Appeals (CA) gates as the Philippine military finally presented the 43 health workers for the hearing on a habeas corpus petition. The military earlier snubbed the Supreme Court’s order to present the 43 in a court hearing.
Media were not allowed inside the courtroom and photographers were forbidden to take photographs of the proceedings.
During the hearing, the lawyers of the health workers asked the CA to order the transfer of detainees to Camp Crame in Quezon City. Also, Dr. Alex Montes, one of the detainees and a member of the non-government organization Community Medicine Development Foundation (Commed), was given a chance to speak in court. Montes said that he is still being held under solitary confinement and that visits are still restricted.
The CA will decide on the 43 health workers’ case on Wednesday, February 17, upon submission of memoranda by both parties.
The “Morong 43” were arrested on suspicion that are communist rebels. They are detained in Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal.(Photos by Fred Dabu/bulatlat.com)
