At the NCCA
Filipino Health Workers 'Morong 43' Walk Free
Saturday, 18 December 2010 00:00
from the National Council of Churches in Australia
In the early hours of Saturday morning news filtered out of Manila that 38 of the 43 community health workers walked free after 10 months and seven days in detention. This news is warmly welcomed by the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA). The Reverend Tara Curlewis, General Secretary of the NCCA said “yesterday’s news that a court in Rizal province ordered their release after the State prosecutors withdrew charges was fantastic. Now to know that these people are reunited with their families sees the hopes of many around the world became a reality.”
In February 43 health workers, including two doctors, one registered nurse two midwives and 38 volunteer community health workers were arrested and accused of being trainees of the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines.
Two weeks ago representatives from the World Council of Churches, including Reverend Tara Curlewis, met with the Morong 43 in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City. “As an international delegation we were thrilled to convey the good news that Leila De Lima , Secretary, Department of Justice had shared a few hours earlier that she hoped for a positive outcome in this case by Human Rights Day and definitely by the end of the year. This news brought tears to many in the group as it meant they may spend Christmas with their families” said Ms Curlewis.
“When we met with them in Camp Bagong Diwa we were amazed to see the hope these people had that justice would prevail for them. These community health workers, many just volunteers inspired us by their continuing concern for others. It was amazing to hear them say ‘we just want to be released because our patients need us’” said Ms Curlewis.
Churches in Australia and around the world will continue to monitor the human rights violations in the Philippines and encourage the Office of the President and the Department of Justice in the Philippines to persevere in rendering speedy justice for other political detainees and the prosecution of those guilty of human rights violations.
Rev Tara Curlewis is available for Interview
Media Enquiries: Debra Porter (02) 9299 2215