Palace monitoring 'Morong 43' case

MANILA, Philippines -  Malacañang is keeping an eye on the civil suit filed by some members of the so-called Morong 43 against Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

“We have taken note of the filing of the case against former President Arroyo by some of the Morong 43. We’ll be watching the case as it unfolds,” Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Secretary Ricky Carandang said.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte also said they are monitoring the developments of the case against Arroyo.

“The government – not being a party to (the case) – should really just see how the process unfolds,” Valte told reporters in a briefing at Malacañang.

Valte stressed the Aquino administration is keeping a hands-off policy with regard to the case, although President Aquino had ordered state prosecutors to withdraw the case against some members of the group.

Morong 43 refers to the group of 43 health workers arrested by the military in Morong, Rizal during the Arroyo administration on suspicion that they were supporters of the communist New People’s Army (NPA).

Except for two, they were later released from detention following a review of their case by the Department of Justice (DOJ), which found the arrest irregular.

Two of the suspects, Rogelio Villarasis and Mario de los Santos, are still detained facing charges.

Six from the group filed a P15-million civil suit for damages against Arroyo for illegal arrest and arbitrary detention before the Quezon City courts.

The complainants – Dr. Merry Mia-Clamor, Dr. Alexis Montes, registered nurse Gary Liberal, registered midwife Ma. Teresa Quinawayan, Reynaldo Macabenta, and Mercy Castro – are suing for damages Arroyo and other defendants for psychological torture they suffered during 10 months in detention.

“This (case) is our contribution to efforts in making sure that human rights violators are made accountable for their actions,” Liberal said. – With Alexis Romero