H.E. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
President of the Republic
Malacañang Palace
JP Laurel St., San Miguel
Manila Philippines

Re: Immediate and unconditional release of the 43 illegally arrested, detained and tortured health workers in Morong, Rizal

President Arroyo,

Migrante Australia condemns the illegal arrest and detention of the 43 doctors, nurses, midwives and community health workers in Morong, Rizal on 6th February 2010.

We are appalled and angered by your inaction on this matter.

How can you allow the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to arrest, detain and torture a group of health workers who are well-respected and known for their selfless service to the impoverished communities in the Philippines?

How can you not see the value of their work in communities that do not have access to health care? How can you not appreciate the help they are giving to Filipinos who would otherwise have no means to seek medical help and health services?

How can you not appreciate the services of these health workers? They are the ones who have chosen to stay back to look after the health and medical needs of the poverty-ravaged Filipino people. You know that our country needs health workers but you and your anti-people economic policies have driven hordes of them overseas. Their skills and services are much valued in countries where they work now. You are also earning millions of dollars from their remittances. Is this the way to treat the Morong 43, they who have chosen to remain in the Philippines?

It is despicable how you continue to implement Oplan Bantay Laya (OBL) to victimise civilians such as the Morong 43 who serve the poor and are critical of your regime. We have not forgotten how under your OBL, the Maguinadanao massacre happened, killing innocent civilians, human rights lawyer and media people.  We have not forgotten either the thousands of victims of human rights violation under your rule.

This latest work of your fascist regime proves that you will not stop at anything to preserve the last days of your dictatorship. You feel so threatened that you have to accuse the Morong 43 of everything you are afraid of – linking them with the New People’s Army and to progressive partylists and their candidates.

President Arroyo, enough is enough.

We call for the immediate and unconditional release of the Morong 43.

We call for the prosecution of those who carried out this injustice.

Contact person: Lina Cabaero,
Mobile: +61407 841 010
Migrante Australia

PO Box 212, Altona North 3025, Australia
Email: migrante.aussie@optusnet.com.au