health workers

FREE
the
W
43
health workers
e, undersigned, express our condemnation of the
illegal raid on the house of Philippine General
Hospital consultant Dr. Melecia Velmonte in Morong, Rizal
on February 6 which in our strong view resulted in the illegal
arrest of 43 health workers and volunteers, including two
doctors, a nurse and two midwives.
The arrests were made based on a patently defective search
warrant and were done with brazen disregard for the rule of
law and due process.
We condemn the violations of the rights of the 43. We
deplore the psychological and physical torture inflicted on
them, including: being blindfolded and handcuffed for 36
hours, continuing and prolonged tactical interrogation with
death threats, harassment and intimidation, sleep deprivation,
manhandling, denial of legal counsel and medical treatment,
and various indignities during their captivity. Some remain
in solitary confinement up to now. Others face continuing
threats and harassment.
We deplore the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP)
initial defiance of a Supreme Court order to produce the 43
before a hearing on their petition for habeas corpus. We decry
the vilification heaped against 62-year-old Dr. Alexis Montes,
Dr. Merry Mia-Clamor, government nurse Gary Liberal and
their fellow participants in the health training. The AFP
continues to make the sweeping and baseless allegation that
all 43 are members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in order
to justify their illegal arrest and detention.
The arrest of the 43 puts to risk health professionals
and community health workers who serve the poor and
disadvantaged especially in remote areas of the country.
Many are accused as members of the NPA and are subjected
to harassment and attacks.
The Morong incident underscores the fact that grievous
human rights violations not seen since Martial Law continue
with impunity under the Arroyo administration.
Justice demands that the Arroyo government adopt a strong
stand on the issue and urge the immediate and unconditional
release of the 43 health workers detained by the AFP.
We call on political and religious leaders, colleagues in
the various professions, and all freedom-loving Filipinos and
people to make a stand for human rights.
LET US UNITE TO FREE THE 43 HEALTH WORKERS!
Bp. Nathanael Lazaro • Bp. Godofredo David, IFI • Bp. Eliezer Pascua • Bp. Solito Toquero, UMC • Bp. Ephraim
S. Fajutagana, IFI • Bp. Felixberto Calang, IFI • Bp. Joselito T. Cruz, IFI • Bp. Rowel Arevalo, IFI • Bp. Ronello
Fabriquer, IFI • Bp. Ernesto Tadly, IFI • Bp. Leo Soriano,UMC • Bp. Marino I. Inong • Bp. Jessie S. Suarez • Bp.
Ebenezer C. Camino • Bp. Dulce P. Rose • Bp. Constante Claro • Bp. Elmer M. Bolocon • Bp. Gabriel Garol •
Bp. Erme Camba • Bp. Osias Jaim • Bp. Rizalino Taganas • Bp. Juan Marigza • Bp. Emiliano Domingo, IFI • Bp.
Gasper Bañes, IFI • Fr. Rex RB Reyes • Msgr. Manuel Gabriel • Rt.Rev. Alex Wandag,ECP • Fr. Artemio Jusayan,
O. Carm • Fr. James Rigali,SX • Fr. Quirico T. Pedregosa, OP • Fr. Rex Salvilla, CICM • Fr. Percy Juan Bacani, MJ •
Fr. Tito Maratas, MSC • Fr. Wilfredo Dulay, MJ • Sr. Rebecca Pacete, MMS • Sr. Ma. Luz Mijares, OSA • Sr. Maria
Fe Alonto, CSSJB • Fr. Junvic Diolata, SSS • Fr.Charly Ricafort, MI • Fr. Cris Mostajo, CssR • Fr. Fortunato M.
Abiera • Fr. Ernie P. Pesimo • Fr. Pe dro Montallana, OFM • Fr. Joe Dizon • Fr. Francisco Albano, PhD • Fr. Monte
Viloria • Sr. Maureen Catabian RGS • Sr. Angelita Navarro, ICM • Fr. Gerry Sabado, O.Carm • Rev. Mariesol
Villalon • Fr. Melvin Ordanez,SMM • Fr. Bong Sarabia,CM • Sr. Ella P. Erepol, MMB • Sr. Terencia Curayag,MMB
• Sr. Emie Ighot, MMB • Sr. Tevencia Curayag, MMB • Sr. Emma Tusi, CSSJB • Sr. Virginia Ravida, CSSJB • Sr.
Marian Grace Tayo, CSSJB • Sr. Myrelene Jomoc, CSSJB • Sr. Mary Evelyn Atamosa, CSSJB• Sr. Maria Pe Alonto,
CSSJB • Sr. Estelita Samillano, CSSJB • Sr. Theresa Garcia, RGS • Sr. Emma Marsan,RGS • Sr. Ailyn Binco RGS
• Sr. Elenita Belardo,RGS • Sr. Lydia Ebora, RGS • Sr. Ma. Celine Cajanding, RGS • Sr. Ma. Teresa A. Dangana,
RGS • Sr. Evelyn Q. Coronel, RGS • Sr. Mary Aida Casambre. RGS • Sr. Felicidad Solatorio, MSM • Sr. Famita
Somogod, MSM • Sr. Cecilia Galeon,MSM • Sr. Yolanda Magana, MSM • Sr. Venus Vega, MSSC • Sr. Marissa
Figueroa, OP • Sr. Odilia Bulayungan, OSB • Sr. M.Victoria Bulacan, OSB • Sr. Martha Lugtu OSB • Sr. Mary Paul
Baul, OSB • Sr. Mary Samuelle Formoso, OSB • Sr. M. Angeline Arceo, OSB • Sr. Justine S. Cotiangco, OSB • Sr.
Agnella G. Capili, OSB • Sr. Stella Matutina, OSB • Sr. Melanie, OSB • Sr. Leonor Barrion, M.D., OSB • Sr. Edita
Eslopor, OSB • Sr. Fely Cabilla, OSB, • Sr. Baptista Busmente, OSB • Sr. Vangie Africa,SNDS • Sr. Zaida Villareal,
OSA • Sr.Flora Secuya,MA • Sr. Sylvia Enriquez, MMB • Sr. Nora Marfe, CSSM • Sr. Teresita Baril, CSSM • Sr.
Eva Palencia, DC • Fr. Rene Mercader, MSC • Fr. Rudy Abao,MSC • Fr. Neil Badillo,OFM • Fr. Romulo Lofranco,
OFM Conv. • Fr. Candido Adriano, CssR• Fr. Joey Ganio Evangelista,MJ • Fr. Eugene Canete,MJ • Fr. Joel Canuel,
MJ • Primo M. Fagel Jr., MJ • Dennis Batucan, MJ • Luis G. Joven, MJ • Bro. Kirby Bagaslao, MJ • Fr. Pedro
Dulnuan, CICM • Fr. Patricio Hiwatig, OP • Fr. Francis Tacio, SMM • Fr. Benjie Notarte, SMM • Fr. Paul Jamir
Marquez,SSP • Fr. Rico Ponce, O.Carm • Fr. Aries Miranda, MI • Fr. Domingo Barawid,MI • Fr. Marcelito Paez •
Fr. Rollie de Leon • Fr. Antonio Ancheta • Fr. Jonecito Saguban,TOR • Fr. Ernie Larida • Dianafe Castillo • Jeff
Vito • Carmencita Karagdag • Sr. Ma. Vene Poral, AMP • Sr. Ma. Jeralene Sanchez,OP • Sr. Marlene Villar, OP Sr.
Gemma M. Ibardaloza • Sr. Edenia Sungcang, CCV • Sr. Rosie Senorin, CCV • Sr. Fe Palomo • Sr. Cecilia Ibarra,
OSA • Sr. Pierre dela Pena, NDS • Sr. Elvie A. Dantes, RSM • SR. Erlinda Banzon, MMS • Sr. Maria Mendoza,
ICM • Sr. Josephine Ong, ICM • Sr. Letty delos Santos, SM• • Sr. Jocel Sucaldito, SDS • Sr. Patricia Perez • Sr.
Fedelyn N. Buerro, OP • Sr.Helen Mijares, HGS • Sr. Vangie Africa, SNDS • Sr. Elizabeth Thiore, CIC • Fr. Aloysius
Cartagenas • Fr. Andrei Linus, XS • Val M. Narcise, CICM • Bro. Tony Balbin • Sr. Gemma Ibardaloza • Rev. Ruel
Dia Garcia UCCP • Rev. Fr. Oliver Estor, SOLT •
Dr. Carol Araullo BAYAN • Renato Reyes Jr. BAYAN • Giovanni Tapang AGHAM • Antonio Tinio ACT • Zen Soriano
AMIHAN • Ken Ramos ANAKBAYAN • Vijae Alquisola CEGP • Ferdie Gaite COURAGE • Bonifacio Ilagan FQSM
• Girlie Padilla EMJP • Lana Linaban GABRIELA • Bea Arellano KADAMAY • Marie-Hilao Enriquez KARAPATAN
• Norma Dollaga KASIMBAYAN • Beverly Longid KATRIBU • Danilo Ramos KMP • Bong Labog KMU• Teri
Ridon LFS• Gary Martinez MIGRANTE • Amirah Ali-Lidasan MCPA • Einstein Recedes NUSP • Fernando Hicap
PAMALAKAYA • Rey Casambre PPC • Steve Ranjo PISTON • Nardy Sabino PCPR• Nere Guerrero SAMAKANA
• Fr. Dionito Cabillas SELDA • Cristina Guevarra SCMP • Alvin Peters TAYO ANG PAG• ASA • Pagbabago! •
Concerned Artists of the Philippines • SINAGBAYAN • IBON Foundation • Cordillera People’s Alliance• Judy
M. Taguiwalo, PhD UP Faculty Regent • Clodualdo Cabrera UP Staff Regent • Dean Consuelo J. Paz PhD •
Dr. Joy Alcantara• Prof. Roland Simbulan • Dean Rolando B. Tolentino, UP CMC • Prof. Dante L. Ambrosio
• Prof. Cynthia N. Lumbera • Prof. Fidel Nemenzo • Prof. Amparo Adelina C. Umali III• Prof. Nicole Curato •
Prof. Doroteo C. Abaya, Jr. • Siegfried Barros• Sanchez • Fidel Rillo • Heber Bartolome • Cynthia Alexander •
Chickoy Pura • Bobby Balingit
Dr. Eleanor Jara, CHD • Dr. Julie Caguiat, COMMED • Dr. Darby Santiago HEAD • Dr. Geneve Rivera HEAD •
Dr. Ramon Pedro Paterno, UP NIH • Dr. Edelina P. dela Paz UP CM • Dr. Romeo Quijano, HAHR • Dr. Armando
C. Crisostomo, UP CM • Ezra M. Valido, Chairperson, PLB UPM • Eleanor M. Nolasco, R.N. (NARS) • Emma S.
Manuel (AHW) • Jossel I. Ebesate, RN (AHW) • Mr. Benjamin Santos (AUPWU – Manila)• Dr. Joseph Carabeo
(COMPASS)• Dr. John Arnel Amata, PLM Med. Grad. Assoc. • Dr. Frederick Untalan • Caster Palaganas, PhD
• Dr. John Pierre Leung • Prof. Ruel Pepa • Prof. Dennis P. Guevarra • Dr. Quintin Doromal• Maita Gomez •
Imelda Nicolas FSGO • Cora Añonuevo, RN • Engr. Rodolfo ‘Jun’ Lozada • Sonny Fernandez • Mano Alcuaz
• Paco Alcuaz • Carmen Bolinto • Roxanne Veridiano RDC • Jill Carino • Ed Maranan • Luchie B. Maranan
• Jamie Lee J. Legaspi • Gerard Tristan dela Cuesta • Kevin Yves Duane D. Asuncion • Dr. Delia Becina • Dr.
Eduardo Posadas • Dr. Juan Antonio Perez III • Dr. Reynald F. Narbarte • Dr. Harry E. Carrial • Dr. Ernesto G.
Garvilles • Dr. Nenita M. Dimatulac • Dr. Angela Jao • Dr. Edna Navallo • Dr. Ulysses T. Quanico • Dr. Roberto
Raymundo • Dr. Gene Nisperos • Dr. Ruben Roadel, Jr. • Dr. Garnet Manuel Punso • Dr. Ria Gulmajico • Dr.
Ma. Nina R. Gonzales • Dr. Cristy Javier • Dr. Gloria Otapa • Dr. Disraeli Europa • Dr. M.L. Alvarado • Dr. Sylvia
C. dela Paz • Dr. Nickson Austria • Dr. Rodolfo Roque Jr. • Dr. Cerilo Tejano • Dr. Frederick Binuya • Dr. Victor
S. Suner • Dr. Noel P. Coronel • Dr. Christopher G. Corsiga • Dr. Ed A. Gatchalian • Dr. Erik Pagkaliwagan • Dr.
Kristoffer Mortos • Dr. Pauline May Chan• Dr. Ambrichirus Lacanilao • Dr. Monaliza Aguada • Dr. Nikki Gabino
• Dr. Froilie D. Somera • Dean Norielie S. Magsingit, RN, DLS• STI CN • Dean Gisela Luna, R.N., St. Luke’s CN
• Cristo Donguines, RN, JRMMC • Nelda A. Escueta, RN PNA • Flor P. Burgos, R.N. Ed.D ORNAP • Eugene
Camello, R.N. • Aurora C. Aralar • Julie Valerio• Passi, R.N. • Grace C. Rondilla R.N. • Floredeliza Alfuerto, R.N.
• Nida S.Calagos, R.N. • Ma. Luisa S. Gregana, R.N. • Luningning G. Siarez R.N. • Alice B. de Guzman R.N. •
Rosalina R. Cruz R.N. • Nilda A. Inciong R.N. • Emma M. Abetria, R.N • Norma Canete, RN • Lorna V. Targa, RN
• Eden B. Bayrante, R.N. • Rosette Olivar, R.N. • Jocelyn S. Andamo, RN • Michelle B. Tubat, R.N. • Marigold R.
Sanao, R.N. • Ellery Dayanan, R.N. • Gerardo P. Andamo, R.N. • Ulysses P. Arcilla, R.N. • Juliet T. Sayo R.N. • Fe E.
Trinillo, R.N.• Mel Gerali, R.N. • Sean Herbert Velchez, R.N. • Josefina Reyes, RN • Lorefel Lopez, RN • Milagros
Rosario Y. Llaudenes, RN • Mary Grace Macaraig, RN • Ana Mariel Anasco, RM • Michelle Francine Perez, RN •
Marissa Q. Aberin, Opt. • Vicky D. Galvan, UP CD • Guillermina C. Panizales (AUPWU) • Robert Mendoza (AHW)
• Zaldy B. Tomines (AHW-Samar) • Vincent B. Baldoza (AHW-Caraga) • Jonathan Placido (AHW-Davao) •
Elmer Collong, RMT PHC EA • Emmanuel G. Asis, LCP EA • Remedios Maltu, SLH EA • Remedios Ysmael, Tondo
Medical EA• John Paul Gubaton, Jose Reyes MMC EU • Wilfred Mallari, HOHWU • Ernesto Espinoza, NCMHEA
• Michaeliza Bravante, NCH EA • Eva Valdez, EAR MC EA • Joey Espanillo, NKTI EA • Ernesto Ragudos, AUPWU
• Ricardo A. Reyes III, RITMEA • Roehl D. Hernandez, RITMEA • Ruth O. Alinsangao, (AHW-Iloilo) – Charise
Bañez UP Student Regent • Rain Sindayen, UPD USC• Cesarie Ann M. Santos, UPM USC • Ralph Robie B.
Orevo, BMS PLM0-CM • Jose Maria G. Mendieta, UERMMMC Med SC • Renzo Guinto, UPM • Vernie Yocogan•
Diano, (CWEARC)
INTERNATIONAL
Atty. Raf Jespers (IADL) • Salvatore Senese (Italy) • Gianni Tognoni (Italy) • François Houtart (Belgium) •
Irene Fernandez (Malaysia) • Lilia Solano (Colombia) • Oystein Tveter (Norway) • Former US Attorney General
Ramsey Clark • Atty. Pill Kyu Hwang • Atty. Jeanne Mirer (US) • Prof. Gill Boehringer (AUS) • Atty. Osamu
Niikura (Japan) • Atty. Julio Moreira (Brazil) • Atty. Jo Dereymaeker (Belgium) • Atty. Jitendra Sharma (India) •
Atty. Anna Morris (UK) • Atty. Katherine Craig (UK) • Atty. Liz Davies (UK) • Atty. Richard Harvey (UK) • Prof.
Marjorie Cohn (US) • Atty. Vanessa Lucas (US) • Atty. Paul Germanotta, Washington (US) • Atty. Jan Fermon
(Belgium) • Micòl Savia (IADL) • Justice Vijender Jain• Tine Van Rompuy (Belgium)
UNITED STATES
United Methodist Church, General Board of Church and Society –Bp. Mary Ann Swenson • Sara Flounders
(IAC) • Rosa Clemente (Green Party) • Melissa Roxas HABI ARTS • Dr. Dante C. Simbulan, PhD • Fr. Benjamin
E. Alforque, MSC • Fr. Antonio Abuan, MS • Dr. Peter Chua • Rowena M. Tomaneng • Dr. Robyn Rodriguez •
Atty. Arnedo Valera • Dr. Josephine Leblanc • Dr. Todd Davies • Atty. Jennifer Lim • Rev. Sandra M. Richards •
Rev. David K, Farley • Sr. Patricia Krommer C.S.J. • Rev. David L Rodriguez • Rev. Janet Gollery McKeithen • Rev.
Mike Eggleston • Rev. Anna Olson • Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong • Rev. Molly Vetter • Rev. Altagracia Perez, STM
• Rev. Roy Padilla • Rev. Nicole Janelle • Rev. Lawrence H. Wayman • Rev. Jennifer Gutierrez • Teresa Gutierrez
• Joanna Quiambao • Shannon Fleming Bray • Bill Bronner • Betty Kobata • Sara Munshin • Orly Marcelino •
Bernadette Ellorin (Bayan-USA) • Rachel Redondiez (Gabriela-USA)
CANADA
Hon. Mable Elmore (Vancouver, BC) • Hon. Flor Marcelino (Manitoba) • Omega Bula UCCT • Joan Jarvis (UCC)
• Gail Davidson (LRW Canada) • Atty. Tim Louis • Dr. Eric Shragge, PhD • Dr. Aziz Choudry, PhD • Dr. Jill Hanley,
PhD • Dr. Abby Lippman, PhD • Dr. Thomas Lamarre, PhD • Dr. Adrienne Hurley, PhD • Councilor Ryan Young
• Rev. Shaun Fryday, B.A. • Fr. Artemio Calaycay • John Gordon (PSA Canada)• Mat Nelson (CUPE) • Vladimir
de Baghy (CUPE) • Stuart Ryan (CAWU) • Dr. Chandu Claver (Bayan-Canada)
ASIA-PACIFIC
Atty. Milabel Cristobal (AI• Hong Kong) • Andrew To Kwan• hang (LSD• HK) • Former Councilor Leung Kwok
Hung (HK) • Basil Fernando (AHRC) • Rev. Michael Wallace (WSCF) • Eni Lestari (IMA) • Necta Montes• Rocas
(WSCF• Asia Pacific) • Norman Uy Carnay (Bayan HK) • Ramon Bultron (APMM) • Rey Asis (ASA) • Cynthia CA
Tellez • Justice and Peace Commission of the Hong Kong Catholic Diocese • Hong Kong Catholic Commission
for Labour Affairs • Hong Kong Christian Institute • Christians for Hong Kong Society • Asian Center for the
Progress of Peoples • St. Margaret’s Church Social Concern Group • Nur Shohib Ansyari (NSF-Indonesia) •
Oki Firman Febrian • Erfan Paryadi • Atty. Daisy C.L. Mandap (The Sun HK) • Fr. Franco Mella • Bruce van
Voorhis • Atty. Pill Kyu Hwang • Prof. Hsia Hsiao-Chuan • Prof. Jau-hwa Chen • Azra Sayeed • Rob Haultain
(New Zealand Nurses Organization)• Karena Brown • Rev. Brian Turner • Rev. Jim Consedine • Dr. Deborah
Vallance • Rob Durbridge • Ms Lee
Rhiannon (NSW LC) • Dr. George
Venturini • Peter Murphy • Rev. Pastor
John Queripel (UC Australia)
EUROPE
Hon. David Geerts MP, Belgium,
Hon. Jan Roegiers MP Flanders,
Belgium, Dr Arthur Niesser • Rev
Canon Barry Naylor • Fr. Frank Nally,
SSC • Rica Nepomuceno • Jacob Tamano • Fr. Peter Ben Smith
• Fr. Christian Blaser • Dr. Andreas Altorfer • Fr. Martin• Christian
Thoeni• Fr. Jake Clemencio • Dr. Klaus Windel • Stefan Salzmann
• Hans• Henning Gonska • Rev. Matthias Tuve •
One Voice Refugee Forum• Siswa Santos •
Noli Buhay • Dr. Dirk Van Duppen – •
Wouter Van Besien, Green Party (Bel) •
Dr. Ilke Cabus • Dr. Wim De Ceukelaire
TWRF(Bel) • Dr. Bert De Belder MATW
(Bel) • Joris De Winter • Lotte Fivez •
Bernadette Willekens • Narat Beratch
• Dr. Daniela Krneta Messmer • Fr.
Christian Blaser • Mr. Corazon Weishaupt • Mrs. Rosmarie Blaser • Mr. Adrian Ochsenbein • Anna Rosa Gersbach
• Ms. Lindy Egli • Dr. Andreas Altorfer • Mr. Emeterio Ilao, Migrante • Ms. Linda Loosli • Mrs. Fely Burdorfer • Mrs.
Nenita Grosjean • Mr. Bernhard Herde • Ms. Evelyn Schaer • Ms. Henriette Frey • Fr. Martin Christian Thoeni •
Mrs. Uta Ritz ,Secretary • Fr. Jake Clemencio • Brigitte Bachmann • Evelyne Ajete • Carlos Capdevilla • Daniela
Krneta Messner • Philippe Ammann • Dr. Helmit Wintersbeger (Austria) • Dr. Geert Asman (Belgium)
For more info on the campaign, visit http://freethehealthworkers.blogspot.com and www.bayan.ph/freethe43.php
PAID ADVT
artwork: Neil Doloricon
Vice President Teofisto Guingona • Sen. Jamby Madrigal • Sen. Loren Legarda • Sen. Rene Saguisag MABINI
• Mo. Mary John Mananzan, OSB • National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera • Dr. Raul Echipare, Pres. AMHOP •
Teresita Irigo-Barcelo, RN, PhD, PNA • Rep. Satur Ocampo • Rep. Liza Maza • Rep. Teddy Casiño • Rep. Neri
Colmenares • Rep. Rafael Mariano • Rep. Luz Ilagan • Rep. Joel Maglunsod • Rep. Raymond Palatino • Rep.
Gilbert Remulla • Sec. Amado Gat Inciong • Joel Lamangan • Bibeth Orteza • Mrs. Edith Burgos • Atty. Frank
Chavez • Atty. Adel Tamano • Atty. Jobert Pahilga • Atty. Nasser Marohomsalic• Atty. Edu Balgos • Atty.
Eduardo Estores • Atty. Alfonso M. Cinco IV • Atty. Reynaldo Cortes • Atty. Rex Lampa • Atty. Mary Ann
Bayang • Atty. Harry Roque • Atty. Jose Molintas• Cleto Villacorta III • Cathlene D. Avellano R.N. ORNAP • Dr.
Jose C. Gonzales, PGH Director • Dr. Reynaldo Lesaca, Jr. HEAD • Dean Gilmore A. Solidum, RN, PhD, CN UM •
Leah Primitiva S. Paquiz, R.N, Ang Nars • Dr. Romulo de Villa, Dean, PLM CM • Dr. Fernando Sanchez Sr., Exec.
Dir. APMC • Dr. Jennifer Nailes, FCM, UERMMMC • Dr. Frank Arcellana, Founding Chair HEAD • Dean Vicente
O. Medina, UP Dentistry • Sagada Mayor Eduardo Latawan