Free the 43!

Background

On 6 February 2010, 43 health workers, known commonly as the “Morong 43,” were illegally arrested by heavily armed elements of the military and police while participating in a one week First Responders Training, sponsored by the Community Medicine Foundation, Inc. and the Council for Health and Development. Contrary to constitutional and international law the health workers were detained incommunicado without access to legal counsel or visits from their families for their first two days in military custody. Family members, legal representatives, medical doctor, priest or religious minister chosen by the 43 health workers continue to face difficulties in gaining access to visit the detained health workers

The Philippine Commission on Human Rights has categorically stated that its own findings and initial observations confirm formal complaints that the health workers were subjected to mentally and physically degrading treatment while in military custody.

We strongly believe that justice requires the return of the 43 health workers to their families without further delay.