News in Pictures: Kin Ask Noynoy to Free Morong 43

Times Street, QUEZON CITY — Relatives of the Morong 43 trooped to the residence of incoming President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III to appeal for the release of their loved ones.

The 43 health workers were arrested on Feb. 4 in Morong, Rizal. They decried torture and were detained at a military camp for more than two months. They were charged with illegal possession of firearms and explosives and are now detained at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig.

“We are here to request to the incoming administration of President Aquino to finally address the case of the Morong 43 and the human rights violations inflicted upon them,” Christian Montes, youngest son of Dr. Alexis Montes, said in a letter he signed in behalf of the other relatives of the detained health workers. “Ultimately, we seek that President Aquino urgently free our relatives languishing in jail for more than four months upon his assumption of office,” he added.

Aquino was not there to personally meet the relatives; the letter was received by Mar Rodriguez, one of Aquino’s media staff.

The group of relatives also called on Aquino to resolve the gross human rights violations of the outgoing administration.

“We hope that President Aquino’s tenure would reflect a clear stand on human rights” Montes said. (Photo courtesy of Free the 43 Health Workers Alliance / Bulatlat.com)