Thousands marched today in Manila, Philippines to demand the Aquino government to release political prisoners and give justice to human rights victims from the past and present government. Protesters from various sectors lined up along Espana Avenue to form a human chain before marching towards Mendiola Bridge near Malacanang.
The release of the Morong 43 has become a focal point of the human rights policy of the government of President Benigno Aquino III. The 43 health workers who were arrested last February 6 during the regime of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo have embarked on a week-long hunger strike for freedom. They are demanding the withdrawal of the charges against them which they say are based on a defective warrant. The 43 have also cried torture at the hands of their military captors.
“On the occasion of International Human Rights Day, we ask the Aquino government to heed the calls for the release of the Morong43 through the withdrawal of the cases filed against them. They deserve nothing less than justice, nothing less than freedom. The release of the Morong43 would be a major victory for human rights,” said Bayan secretary general Renato M. Reyes, Jr.
“We likewise demand the prosecution of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and her cohorts for their crimes that include extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and torture. They should be made accountable for their numerous human rights violations,” Reyes said.
Bayan also called on the Aquino government to be accountable for the ongoing cases of extrajudicial killings which have killed 20 people so far under the new regime.
“The Aquino government seriously needs to pursue the hundreds of cases of human rights violations of the Arroyo government as well as the new cases under the present government. Already there are 20 cases of extrajudicial killings and 2 cases of enforced disappearances since June 30 this year,” the Bayan leader said.
Bayan said that the withdrawal of the cases against the Morong 43 and their eventual release would be a milestone for human rights in the country.
“It can set a precedent for the release of other political prisoners. It can serve as a valuable lesson against those who think they can get away with violating the law with impunity,” Reyes said. ###
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From: www.bayan.ph
