An appeal from the General Secretary of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines
October 29, 2010
To Our Friends and Partners Around the World:
Please Sign the Paid Ad to
Free the 43 Health Workers (Morong 43)
May I appeal you to please sign the paid ad below. It is calling for the immediate release of the forty three health workers, known collectivley as the Morong 43 from continued detention. This issue is very close to us not only because it involves human rights and social justice but also because one of those detained include Dr. Alexis Montes, a member and former national health program coordinator of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines. Dr. Montes was also a member of the NCCP’s Commission on Faith, Witness and Service at one time.
To indicate your support, just send your name, position and name of church/organization to pcprnatl@gmail.com (cut and paste the address into your email) on or before November 10, 2010.
Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to our struggle for human rights.
Sincerely,
REV. REX RB REYES, JR.
General Secretary
National Council of Churches in the Philippines
The statement will read:
Another day in prison for the "Morong 43" is another day justice is denied.
President Benigno Aquino III should act now and release the Morong 43.
Nine months ago in February 6, 43 health workers including 26 women – two of whom have already given birth while in prison – were illegally arrested, searched, detained and tortured. Their rights continue to be violated and their families tormented.
The Department of Justice has submitted its recommendations regarding the case of the 43 health workers. The President himself has commented on the defect of the search warrant and that evidence against the Morong 43 are the "fruit of the poisonous tree." Various local and international organizations have called for the health workers’ release.
When Malacanang granted amnesty to rebel soldiers, many asked why the Morong 43 remained in prison.
We call on the Aquino government to withdraw the charges against the Morong 43 and see to their immediate and unconditional release!
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Presbyterians have been involved in ministry with the people of the Philippines for over one hundred years. If you are Presbyterian and interested in connecting in helpful ways with our brothers and sisters in Christ in the Philippines, please consider joining the Philippines Mission Network ning group.
Participants in the People's International Observers Mission visited the Morong 43 in prison. The visit took place on their 100th day of imprisonment.
Posted by the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations.
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