'Morong 43' are NPA rebels, Army insists

MANILA, Philippines - The Army yesterday welcomed a local court’s decision asking some soldiers to answer the P15-million suit filed against them by the “Morong 43” but insisted that the complainants who were arrested last year are communist rebels.

Army spokesman Maj. Harold Cabunoc said they have “strong evidence” to prove that the members of the Morong 43 are members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

“All of the 43 members are full-time NPA cadres who are listed on the periodic status report and some have records of previous arrests,” he said in a statement.

Cabunoc said five of the 43 are doctors and nurses who belong to the National Health Bureau of the NPA.

He also claimed at least four members of the Morong 43 have rejoined the armed rebellion, but five have admitted that they are rebels and have availed of the government’s amnesty program.

“The court ruled for their release and the Army has respected the decision. However, we are saddened by the fact that instead of taking this as a chance to live under the folds of law, some of them chose to go back to the mountains,” he said.

The Morong 43 were arrested in rest house in Morong, Rizal on Feb. 6, 2010, while allegedly holding a seminar on explosives when they were arrested. They were subsequently charged with illegal possession of firearms and explosives and violation of the election gun ban.

Last December, President Aquino ordered the dropping of charges against the suspects after the Department of Justice declared that the procedures conducted by the military in their arrest were questionable.

The release was made before the resumption of the formal talks between government negotiators and the National Democratic Front, which represents the NPA in the negotiations.

Last April, six Morong 43 members filed damage suits totaling P15 million against former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and nine others behind their arrest.

The other defendants in the civil suit are former defense secretary Norberto Gonzales, former Armed Forces chief Victor Ibrado, former Army chief Delfin Bangit, former 2nd Infantry Division chief Maj. Gen. Jorge Segovia, Col. Victorino Zaragosa, Col. Aurelio Baladad, Lt. Col. Jaime Abawag, Maj. Manuel Tabion, Superintendent Allan Nubleza and Superintendent Marion Balolong.