JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — Migrante International chapters in the Middle East and Saudi-based OFW Muslims and Christians Advocates for Justice and Peace in the Philippines (MCA-JPP) join the calls of various sectors in the Philippines and international human rights organizations, for President Benigno Aquino III to order the immediate release of the Morong 43, who have been illegally detained since February 6, as well as other political prisoners.
In a joint statement, the groups ask what is preventing Aquino to order the release of the 43 health workers. “It seems, indicative of the actuations of the President, he is not willing to act on the case of the 43 health workers despite that he has the mandate to implement and defend the Constitutional provisions guaranteed in the ‘Bill of Rights’ especially if it is to correct a mistake committed by any Executive branch agency, personnel or the AFP itself under his command,” the groups said.
“If the President is looking for political gains out of political concessions just like what he had done in granting amnesty to about 400 military coup plotters, then he is acting on his own and his administration’s interests and not of the people, not of the 43 health workers and other political prisoners,” they added.
The indoor protest action by Migrante-Jeddah chapter last October 29 jumpstarts a series of protests and press conferences from November 2 to 6, marking the 9th month detention of the Morong 43. The activities will be held simultaneously with internationally-coordinated actions led by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan to pressure the Aquino government to act on the immediate and unconditional release of the Morong 43 and other political prisoners. (Photo courtesy of Migrante-Jeddah / Bulatlat.com)
