Group welcomes Noy's order to drop case vs 'Morong 43'

MANILA, Philippines - A human rights watchdog welcomed yesterday President Aquino’s “positive step” ordering the justice department to drop the charges against the detained health workers dubbed as the “Morong 43” that sent a clear message to security forces to uphold the law.

Human Rights Watch said the government should initiate a civilian investigation of alleged abuses by the military on detainees.

Military forces arrested the 26 women and 17 men on Feb. 6, 2010, in Morong, Rizal, accusing them of being trainees of the communist rebel group New People’s Army. Police charged them with illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

After being held for 12 weeks by the military, the suspects were transferred to police custody in Manila.

Aquino ordered the Department of Justice on Dec. 10 to drop the charges against the 43 suspects because the evidence against them was obtained illegally. The suspects are waiting for a court order dismissing the charges against them to pave way for their eventual release.

“By ordering the release of the Morong 43, President Aquino is telling security forces to uphold the law for arrests and detention,” said Elaine Pearson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “This is a step toward meeting Aquino’s promises to tackle injustice and impunity.”

The Morong 43 detainees told Human Rights Watch that at the time of their arrest, the authorities did not provide them the reasons for their arrest or inform them of their rights to remain silent or to obtain legal counsel. Such rights are guaranteed under the Philippine Constitution.

Some detainees said that abuses in military detention included being blindfolded and interrogated on and off for as long as 36 hours. Several detainees have filed complaints with the national Commission on Human Rights alleging torture and ill treatment.

“The mistreatment of detainees will only end if the abuses are also investigated and prosecuted. Aquino should promptly order a criminal investigation into the allegations of torture and ill treatment in military custody,” Pearson said.