AFP: Case tight vs 43 arrested health workers

The Philippine military said Friday it was prepared to present to court the 43 health workers arrested in Rizal province on suspicion of being members of the New People's Army (NPA), adding that it has a strong case against them. "The Army's 2nd ID (Infantry Division) said they are now ready... they are ready to present the 43 anytime if they are called by the court," said Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner, chief of the military’s public affairs office, in a phone interview. On Thursday, the Supreme Court issued a writ of habeas corpus ordering government forces to bring to the Court of Appeals the 43 health workers and allow them to face the court. The military and police were ordered to present the health workers at 2 p.m. Friday. The respondents included Armed Forces chief Gen. Victor Ibrado, Philippine National Police chief Director General Jesus Verzosa, 2nd Infantry Division chief Maj. Gen. Jorge Segovia and 202nd Brigade chief Col. Aurelio Baladad. Strong case Brawner maintained they have “complete records," supported by witnesses accounts, that the 43 are indeed NPA rebels. He said some of them have pending arrest warrants for atrocities they have allegedly committed in the past. At the same time, Brawner said the illegal possession of firearms and explosives complaint filed against the health workers 43 is strong. "They were caught... while conducting that training, caught in the act of having training on bomb-making." Asked if they maintain that the arrest is not illegal as several groups, including the League of Filipino Students and the Victims of Arroyo Regime United for Justice, claim, Brawner said: "Hindi naman, kasi doon sa writ of habeas corpus, ang sinasabi ng korte is for any respondent to present the body... But they will still be brought back to the detention facility so the writ of habeas corpus does not absolve them of any crime." "Tapos ang may bail lang yung tatlo lang. Yung illegal possessioin of firearms under the Comelec resolution 8714, pero yung 40 others are for illegal possession of explosives, non-bailable. Ang recommendation is for no bail," he added. The 43 were arrested by a combined Army and police operatives in Morong town last Saturday. Allegedly seized from them were three firearms, improvised explosives, bomb components, cash amounting to more than P300,000 and personal belongings, among others. They are currently detained at Camp Capinpin, home of the 2nd ID in Tanay, Rizal. - Carmela Lapeña/RSJ, GMANews.TV