Some injustices can be corrected now, even without the Truth Commission

Again, for the umpteenth time, the families and supporters of the 43 detained health workers known as the Morong 43 today appealed for their immediate release in a dialogue with officials of the Department of Justice.

“The truth has always been known to us: that the 43 health workers are innocent,” said Dr. Julie Caguiat, spokesperson of the Free the 43 Health Workers Alliance.

According to Dr. Caguiat, the hearings conducted by the Commission on Human Rights when Justice Secretary Leila de Lima was still at its helm had already ferreted out the gross violations of due process and human rights perpetrated by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“The continuing detention of the Morong 43 is a perpetuation of the injustice started by the repressive Arroyo administration. The best way for the administration of President Noynoy Aquino to show that it is on the path of righteousness is to stop and correct such wrongdoing, by releasing the 43 as soon as possible,” added Dr. Caguiat.

One of the detained health workers, Judilyn Oliveros, recently gave birth to a baby boy at the Philippine General Hospital. However, the 26-year-old nursing mother and her infant are now under threat of being hauled back to jail.

“As though the suffering of Judilyn, who was tortured even when she was pregnant, is not yet enough, the AFP, through the courts, wants to extend the injustice to her newborn baby.”

Early this morning, state prosecutor Romeo Senson vehemently opposed the motion by lawyers of Judilyn for temporary liberty for her condition.

Some of the other detained health workers are also suffering from various ailments, including epilepsy, hypertension, gout, and heart disease.

“The Truth Commission may help exact some accountability for the Arroyo administration’s sins and crimes against the people but where will the victims seek redress for the suffering they endured? When will their suffering end?” decried Dr. Caguiat.

The families and friends of the Morong 43 are still hoping that President Noynoy will be true to the commitment he made earlier that he will act for their immediate release. ###

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Reference:

Dr. Julie Caguiat
Spokesperson,
FREE THE 43 HEALTH WORKERS ALLIANCE
Mobile: 0909 113 3038