After Release of Rebel Soldiers, Aquino Should Free ‘Morong 43,’ Political Prisoners Published on October 13, 2010

After Release of Rebel Soldiers, Aquino Should Free ‘Morong 43,’ Political Prisoners

Published on October 13, 2010

By RONALYN V. OLEA
Bulatlat.com
MANILA — After President Benigno S. Aquino III granted amnesty to rebel soldiers, relatives and supporters pressed anew for the release of the Morong 43 and other political prisoners in the Philippines.

The 43 health workers were arrested in Morong, Rizal on Feb. 6 while conducting a health-skills training.
Charged with illegal possession of firearms and explosives, the 43 were detained at a military camp for almost three months. Thirty-eight of them have been transferred to a regular detention facility at Camp Bagong Diwa since May. Five have remained under military custody.

“We express our support in granting amnesty for all rebel soldiers, but we are dismayed by the inaction of the president on the plight of almost 400 political prisoners who, like the mutineers, fought the corrupt and repressive Arroyo regime,” said Roneo Clamor, acting secretary-general of human-rights group Karapatan and husband of Dr. Merry Mia-Clamor, one of the Morong 43.

Clamor said Justice Secretary Leila de Lima already submitted her recommendations on the case of the Morong 43 to the president. “But up to now, there is no action from Malacañang,” said Clamor..... MORE

Source:  Bulatlat.com

URL: http://www.bulatlat.com/main/2010/10/13/after-release-of-rebel-soldiers-aquino-should-free-morong-43-political-prisoners/