6 of 'Morong 43' file P15-M suit vs GMA, 10 others

MANILA, Philippines - Six of the “Morong 43” health workers who were detained for 10 months and released last year filed a P15-million damage suit yesterday against former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and 10 military and police officials before the Quezon City regional trial court.

Doctors Merry Mia Clamor and Alexis Montes, nurse Gary Liberal and community workers Teresa Quinawayan, Reynaldo Macabenta and Mercy Castro are claiming P2.5 million each in moral and exemplary damages for the alleged torture done to them after their arrest on Jan. 16, 2010.

Aside from Arroyo, who is now a Pampanga congresswoman, the other respondents are former defense secretary Norberto Gonzales; former military chief Victor Ibrado; former Army head general Delfin Bangit; Gen. Jorge Segovia, former commanding general of the 2nd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army; Lt. Col. Cristobal Zaragosa, commanding officer of the intelligence unit of the 2nd ID; Maj. Manuel Tabion, warden of the detention center of the 2nd ID; Col. Aurelio Baladad, former commanding officer of the 202nd Infantry Brigade; Lt. Colonel Jaime Abawag, former commanding officer of the 16th Infantry Battalion; Superintendent Marion Balolong, commanding officer of the Rizal Provincial Public Safety Management Company and Superintendent Allan Nubleza, former chief of intelligence branch of the Rizal provincial police office.

The health workers’ lawyer, Edre Olalia, said while they will file additional criminal charges in the coming days, the civil suit was to make Arroyo liable for the actions of the military during her term. He said a criminal complaint would involve “personal liability” and cannot go up to the level of the former president.

The health workers accused the respondents of illegal arrest; detaining them for 120 hours before charging them with illegal possession and firearms and explosives; and charging them without giving them the right to be represented by a lawyer; and torturing them while they were in detention.

After the Department of Justice reinvestigated the case, the court dismissed the charges against the health workers.