AFP welcomes move to bring 'Morong 43' case before global forum

MANILA, Philippines - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) yesterday welcomed the move of human rights advocates to bring the cause of the “Morong 43” before a global forum.

AFP spokesman Lt. Col. Arnulfo Burgos said they would not even get in the way of the effort of the Ecumenical Voice for Peace and Human Rights in the Philippines to bring the case of the 43 health workers before the United Nations.

The 43 had been suspected by the military of being guerrillas of the communist New People’s Army (NPA).

They were arrested while attending a seminar on how to handle explosives at a farmhouse in Morong, Rizal in February, according to the military.

“We remain unfazed by that (bringing of the Morong 43 incident to the UN). The AFP is a staunch advocate of human rights,” Burgos said.

“We are committed to protect human rights.

But we are open to any legitimate investigation of the incident,” he added.

The AFP had been accused of violating the human rights of the 43 detained health workers.

Burgos said the 43 were arrested and charged with illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

He dismissed allegations that they were tortured while in detention.

Army spokesman Maj. Ronald Alcudia also welcomed the move to bring the case of the Morong 43 before the global community.

Alcudia, however, stressed the military had filed the case against the 43 before the courts.

“The case (of the Morong 43) is now with the courts. We will follow the procedures and we will let the justice system take its course,” Alcudia said.

Alcudia said some groups are trying to bring the case before an international tribunal to gain sympathy.

He added the troops had been taught to respect human rights during their trainings to avoid allegations of human rights violations that could only dismiss the case.

Alcudia said the allegations of maltreatment, sexual harassment, and torture against the soldiers guarding the 43 suspects had not been proven.

Alcudia noted five of the suspects have openly admitted that they are communist rebels and have availed of the government’s amnesty program.