Protesters shut down QC justice hall

MANILA, Philippines - Protesters calling for the release of two alleged Communist Party of the Philippines leaders picketed the Quezon City justice hall yesterday morning, prompting officials to suspend work and court proceedings.

More than 1,000 protesters held the rally in support of Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, arrested in Cebu last March.

The two are facing charges of kidnapping and illegal detention and were scheduled to have their pre-trial hearing yesterday. The Tiamzons were brought to the justice hall but their police escorts brought them back to Camp Crame when protesters blocked the building’s main entrance.

The protesters clashed with security personnel. Some protesters were able to slip past the guards and enter the building, according to Kamuning police station chief Superintendent Limuel Obon, who added that police officers will check the building.

There are also reports that police are investigating how the guards allowed protesters to enter the city hall compound and picket the building.

Aside from the release of the Tiamzon couple, the protesters also called for the release of more than 400 political prisoners.

Rafael Mariano, chairman of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, criticized the Aquino administration for the detention of the Tiamzon couple and for refusing to resume peace negotiations.

The Regional Trial Court Branch 81 earlier junked the appeal of the Tiamzons to reverse its earlier ruling that denied the couple’s motion to dismiss the charges of kidnapping and serious illegal detention filed against them.

The case stemmed from the kidnapping of Lieutenants Clariton Santos, Oscar Singson, Rommel Salamanca, and Abraham Casis and Sergeant John Jacob of the Philippine Narcotics Command in 1988.