PNP tightens security on ‘Morong 38’ in Taguig

Metro Manila police have tightened security at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City, where 38 of 43 health workers arrested last February on suspicion of being communist rebels were transferred over the weekend. Radio dzXL reported that police doubled security at the Metro Manila District Jail, where the court proceedings for the case will likely be held. The military on Saturday had transferred 38 of the 43 health workers to Taguig on orders of the court. Of the 38 transferred, 23 were women and 15 were men. The remaining five remained in military custody at the Army's 2nd Infantry Division headquarters in Tanay, Rizal, after supposedly admitting they were NPA members. Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Lt. Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said Sunday it is now the court that decides what to do with the 38. "Bahala na riyan ang korte... Wala na kaming ano riyan, nakakahinga na kami diyan (The court now has jurisdiction over the 38. We will have nothing to do with them. We can breathe a sigh of relief)," Burgos said in an interview on dzBB radio. At present, the 38 health workers are facing charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives. — RSJ, GMANews.TV