Press Statement by the Morong 43 detainees from Camp Bagong Diwa

We, the 43 health workers (Morong 43), are on a protest fast since August 21. We denounce the continuing gross violation of our human rights and the denial of the rule of law on our case. We protest the inhumane and unjust decision of the lower court to bring Judilyn Oliveros and her baby back to prison.

We were arrested last February 6 2010 while undergoing community health training. The arrest was based on a defective warrant. In detention, we were subjected to physical and psychological torture while kept blindfolded and handcuffed in the hands of the military. We had experienced prolonged torture and solitary confinement. We were denied counsel during our arrest and after 36 hours of torture. We are languishing in jail for seven months now.

Recently, the lower court denied the motion for release on recognizance for Judilyn and her baby. The decision of the lower court is utterly inhumane. Prison conditions for a baby and mother are very harsh. Aside from 23 female inmates jampacked in one detention cell, all kinds of infectious diseases including tuberculosis are afflicting us like plague. Big rats have already bitten some inmates.

We demand the immediate release of Judilyn and her baby. We ask Pres. Benigno Simeon Aquino III to emulate his mother, the late Pres. Corazon Aquino, to release all political prisoners as a democratic and goodwill measure.

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Reference:
Dr. Geneve Rivera-Reyes
Mobile Number: 0920 460 3712

Carlos Montemayor, RN
Mobile Number: 0922 499 6237

For the Free the 43 Health Workers! Alliance