'Morong 43 just want to get public attention'

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Army is unfazed by the supposed fasting of the “Morong 43,” branding it as a mere attempt to gain public attention.

“The alleged fasting and other theatrics to dramatize the case are meant to gain the attention of the public who is already fed up with these antics and lies in pursuing their revolutionary struggle as NPA (New People’s Army) members,” Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres Jr. said in a statement,

“The massive effort to agitate the courts and sway public opinion is an old NPA tactic driven by fear and paranoia since the cases filed against them have prospered in the courts,” he added.

Torres said the suspected rebels are given full meals and have more than enough stock of food.

He added that the rights of the suspects, who are detained at Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal, are being respected.

Torres noted that five of the suspects have admitted that they are NPA rebels and have availed themselves of the government’s amnesty program.

This means that they have returned to the fold of the law and are no longer supporting the communist movement, he said. 

Supporters of the “Morong 43” said the suspects are now fasting to protest their delayed transfer to the police headquarters at Camp Crame in Quezon City.