Noynoy dared to defend AFP in Morong 43 row By Angie M. Rosales and Mario J. Mallari 12/13/2010

COMMUNIST PARTY WELCOMES AQUINO MOVE

Noynoy dared to defend AFP in Morong 43 row

By Angie M. Rosales and Mario J. Mallari 12/13/2010
President Aquino was challenged yesterday to stand his ground and defend the arrest and detention made by the military against health workers suspected of being members of a communist group who are collectively called Morong 43 even after their release has been effected through Aquino’s order to drop the charges against the group.

Sen. Gregorio Honasan issued the challenge yesterday to Aquino amid reports that the health workers are contemplating to file cases of rights abuse against the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“The President has decided already. The military has no choice but to follow his orders. It’s part of their mandate to follow such orders from the commander in chief, including that of overseeing the implementation of the legal procedures,” Honasan said.

“But if they (Morong 43) will file charges, I think it will be a wrong move. If at all, the defect (in the situation) is in the law, not the implementation of the law. If they will take retaliatory action against the military who merely did their mandate, it is the duty of the executive branch to defend the soldiers,” he said in a radio interview..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20101213hed1.html