'Morong 43 different from Suu Kyi'

MANILA, Philippines - The 43 health workers arrested in Morong, Rizal cannot be compared to Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, Malacañang said yesterday.

Speaking to reporters, presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said it was an unfair statement that the Morong 43 had to be imprisoned for seven years like Suu Kyi.

“No, it’s not a valid comparison,” he said. “There are certain details which we are not at liberty to tell or disclose right now.” Lacierda said Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Jose Amor Amorado told relatives and families of the Morong 43 last Monday that the case is still undergoing study in coordination with Justice Secretary Leila de Lima. 

“It’s now with them and I understand from the SDES that they will be submitting their findings to the President,” he said. 

“Again, let’s wait for the findings of the Senior Deputy Executive Secretary and we will let you know.” 

Earlier, President Aquino said the arrest of the Morong 43 was still under question since the warrant served on them seemed to be defective and the circumstances surrounding it were dubious. 

“You should understand that the President already revealed the doctrine of the fruit of the poisonous tree and therefore, that is the recommendation of the Secretary of Justice,” Lacierda said.

“There are measures being done right now to review the Morong 43. Like the President said, the legal team has already reviewed the findings of the Secretary of Justice and a prompt resolution would be forthcoming.” 

Amorado asked the Free the 43 Health Workers Alliance to present to the government the relatives of five members of the Morong 43 so they can give a “categorical answer” that the five have agreed to become state witnesses. 

The health workers are facing charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives. 

Five of them have been placed under separate military custody at Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal, after they allegedly admitted that they were New People’s Army supporters, while the remaining 38 were transferred last May to the Philippine National Police Custodial Center in Camp Crame in Quezon City.

Malacañang declared over the weekend that it would be up to the judiciary to release the Morong 43.