MANILA, Philippines – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) yesterday welcomed the move of human rights advocates to bring the cause of the “Morong 43” before a global forum.
AFP spokesman Lt. Col. Arnulfo Burgos said they would not even get in the way of the effort of the Ecumenical Voice for Peace and Human Rights in the Philippines to bring the case of the 43 health workers before the United Nations.
The 43 had been suspected by the military of being guerrillas of the communist New People’s Army (NPA).
They were arrested while attending a seminar on how to handle explosives at a farmhouse in Morong, Rizal in February, according to the military.
“We remain unfazed by that (bringing of the Morong 43 incident to the UN). The AFP is a staunch advocate of human rights,” Burgos said.
“We are committed to protect human rights.
But we are open to any legitimate investigation of the incident,” he added.
The AFP had been accused of violating the human rights of the 43 detained health workers.
Burgos said the 43 were arrested and charged with illegal possession of firearms and explosives.
He dismissed allegations that they were tortured while in detention.
Army spokesman Maj. Ronald Alcudia also welcomed the move to bring the case of the Morong 43 before the global community.
Alcudia, however, stressed the military had filed the case against the 43 before the courts.
“The case (of the Morong 43) is now with the courts. We will follow the procedures and we will let the justice system take its course,” Alcudia said.
Alcudia said some groups are trying to bring the case before an international tribunal to gain sympathy.
He added the troops had been taught to respect human rights during their trainings to avoid allegations of human rights violations that could only dismiss the case.
Alcudia said the allegations of maltreatment, sexual harassment, and torture against the soldiers guarding the 43 suspects had not been proven.
Alcudia noted five of the suspects have openly admitted that they are communist rebels and have availed of the government’s amnesty program. –Alexis Romero (The Philippine Star)
September 18 –
International Equal Pay Day
“Increase wages now,
more than other cost items.
For widespread, practical equality!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO Constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar
to carry out the recommendations of the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry
against serious violations of protocols of
Forced Labour and Freedom of Association.
Accept the National Unity Government (NUG)
of Myanmar. Reject Military!
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September –
5 Sept – Intl Day of Charity
7 Sept – Intl Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies
8 Sept – International Literacy Day
12 Sept – United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation
15 Sept – International Day of Democracy
16 Sept – International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer
17 Sept – World Patient Safety Day
18 Sept – International Equal Pay Day
21 Sept – International Day of Peace
26 Sept – International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons
27 Sept – World Tourism Day
28 Sept – International Day for Universal Access to Information
29 Sept – International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste
30 Sept – World Maritime Day
Monthly Observances:
Health, Safety and Sanitation Month
National Clean-up Month
Civil Service Month
National Peace Consciousness Month
Social Security Month
Rule of Law Month
National Teachers’ Month (Sept 5-Oct 4)
Weekly Observances:
Sept 17 – 23:
World Clean and Green Week
Week 2: Education Week
Week 4: Medicine Week
Last Week: National Family Week
Daily Observances:
Third Saturday:
International Coastal Clean-up Day
Third Monday: World Health Day
Last Friday: National Maritime Day
Sept 8: National Literacy Day
Sept 15: Philippine Medicine Day
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