Groups call for release of detained peasant leader who caught COVID-19
MANILA, Philippines — Peasant group Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas and rights alliance Karapatan are pressing for the humanitarian release of detained peasant leader Joseph Canlas after he tested positive for COVID-19.
In a statement, KMP pointed out that Canlas was in stable physical condition before he was arrested on March 30. “The quick deterioration of his health in less than two months is unquestionably due to neglect of jail authorities, on top of severe and miserable jail conditions,” the group added.
The STAR reported that Canlas’ daughter, Jeanette, said her father was rushed to the hospital after he experienced difficulty in breathing and speaking. They pleaded to authorities to bring her father to a hospital.
Karapatan said Canlas, who is hypertensive and diabetic, tested positive for COVID-19 in an antigen test and he continues to be in a critical condition with low oxygen saturation level despite being intubated and connected to a mechanical ventilation.
“We demand the immediate release of Joseph Canlas and the dismissal of the trumped-up charges against him… The miserable jail conditions have further worsened Canlas’ health who only complained of arthritis and join pains before his illegal arrest and detention,” KMP said.
Canlas’ condition due to authorities’ neglect
KMP, in particular, cited Jail Supt. Rebecca Manalo-Tiguelo, BJMP district warden, “who appears to belittle the plight of Canlas and other detainees.” The group said Tiguelo dismissed Canlas’ report that he was not feeling well as “umaarte lang.”
They added they are suspecting that Canlas was infected with the deadly coronavirus while was under quarantine inside Bureau of Jail Management and Penology facilities.
They noted that he was transferred to BJMP Detention Center in Angeles City on April 14. A week later, he was moved to the BJMP quarantine facility with 100 other detainees.
Canlas was moved to a regular jail on May 6, but a day later, his relatives said he reported physical weakness and difficulty in breathing at night in a phone call.
“If jail authorities thoroughly checked Canlas’ health condition, they would have known that he has hypertension and diabetes which makes him more vulnerable to COVID infection. If he received proper medical attention while in detention, then the risks could have been lessened,” KMP also said.
Karapatan Secretary General Cristina Palabay meanwhile said the government should ensure that Canlas receives full medical services as she also pinned the blame of Canlas’ condition to his unjust and arrest and detention.
Palabay urged for the humanitarian and just release of Canlas and 96 sick and 65 elderly political prisoners who were all arrested on trumped-up charges.
“The Supreme Court and local courts as well as the Department of Justice should by now realize that jailing people, especially those arrested on fabricated grounds, in over-congested detention centers during the COVID-19 pandemic is akin to subjecting people to cruel and inhumane treatment and worse, death. It is imperative that Canlas be released now,” she added. — Kristine Joy Patag
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