Arrest of 'Morong 43' legal, aboveboard, AFP insists

MANILA, Philippines - The military will just allow the courts to decide on the case of the so-called “Morong 43” even as it insisted that the arrest of the suspected insurgents was legal and underwent due process.

“The requirements from law enforcement (and) law agencies were followed. It is now up to the courts to decide… Right now, we have done our part. At this point, the ball is with the hands of the courts and the DOJ (Department of Justice),” Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman, said.

“(The arrest was) aboveboard. We have performed our task and mission,” he added.

Mabanta made the statement after President Aquino admitted that security forces had obtained the evidence against the “Morong 43” through questionable means.

Mr. Aquino had said a review of the case revealed that the person covered by the arrest warrant was not in the house that was raided.

He added that the explosives found in the area were not specified in the warrant.

“However, the matter is before the courts… We would want to rectify that situation, but that will have to undergo sanction by the courts that have already taken cognizance of the case,” the President said.

Meanwhile, supporters of the “Morong 43” welcomed the statements of Mr. Aquino and reiterated their appeal for the release of the suspected rebels.

“Rectifying errors in the Morong 43 arrest should end in the withdrawal of the case and the unconditional release of 43 illegally detained health workers,” said Julie Caguiat, spokesperson of the Free the 43 Health Workers Alliance.

Police and military authorities said the “Morong 43” were conducting a seminar on making explosives when they were nabbed in a rest house in Morong, Rizal last Feb. 6.  

Recovered during the operation were various firearms and substances used to create bombs.

Supporters of the “Morong 43,” however, claimed that the 43 are heath workers attending a lecture on medicine.