Hunger Strike Forced Gov’t to Withdraw Charges — Morong 43, Rights Advocates

Hunger Strike Forced Gov’t to Withdraw Charges — Morong 43, Rights Advocates

“We are happy but we are still angry. In the first place, the Morong 43 are innocent. They should not have been detained,” Ofelia Beltran-Balleta, mother of Jane Balleta, one of the Morong 43, said in an interview with Bulatlat.

By RONALYN V. OLEA
Bulatlat.com

MANILA — After President Benigno S. Aquino III announced, on December 10, that he has ordered the dropping of charges against the Morong 43, their relatives who were gathered at the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) cried with joy.

The 43 health workers were arrested on Feb. 6 in Morong, Rizal while conducting a health skills training when 300 combined elements of the police and military raided the rest house where they were staying. They were charged with illegal possession of firearms and explosives, tagged as members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and subjected to physical and psychological torture. The NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

The Morong 43 had been on hunger strike and their relatives were also fasting since Dec. 3 when President Aquino announced his order.

“We are happy but we are still angry. In the first place, the Morong 43 are innocent. They should not have been detained,” Ofelia Beltran-Balleta, mother of Jane Balleta, one of the Morong 43, said in an interview with Bulatlat. “After Aquino repeatedly said ‘Let the courts decide,’ he finally ordered the dropping of charges against the Morong 43. Thanks to the international community, organizations and individuals who supported our struggle. This is a victory of the Filipino people,” Balleta said in a speech at the rally at the foot of Chino Roces (formerly Mendiola bridge) on Dec. 10.... MORE

Source:  Bulatlat.com

URL: http://bulatlat.com/main/2010/12/11/morong-43-rights-advocates-say-withdrawal-of-charges-a-victory-of-their-hunger-strike/