AFP to cooperate with DOJ in 'Morong 43' case review

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will cooperate in the Department of Justice(DOJ)’s plan to review the case of the 43 health workers arrested last February on allegations that they are communist rebels, the military spokesperson said Friday. The military will abide by any ruling imposed by the DOJ and the courts upon review of the case of the arrested health workers collectively known as the “Morong 43," AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta told reporters. Mabanta said he sees nothing wrong with the DOJ’s plan to re-examine the charges filed against the “Morong 43," since it is an opportunity to “strengthen the military’s position" that the health workers are indeed members of the New People’s Army (NPA). “We look at this as an opportunity for the AFP to further clear itself. We believe those involved are members of the NPA, and we look at the review as an opportunity to strengthen our resolve," he said. “We are willing to open our facilities for whatever is needed," he added. Mabanta likewise said that the military will surely cooperate with the DOJ review since new AFP chief Gen. Ricardo David Jr. “advocates human rights" and “follows judicial processes." DOJ Secretary Leila de Lima said on Thursday that the department will review the “Morong 43" to determine if there was indeed enough evidence to prosecute the health workers for illegal possession of firearms and explosives. Last February, the military arrested the 43 health workers in a Morong, Rizal farm house on allegations that they are communist rebels conducting explosives training. Thirty-eight of the health workers are currently detained at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City, while five others who have reportedly admitted to being communist insurgents and have chosen to avail of the government's rebel returnee program remain at Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal. - ACC, RJAB Jr., RSJ, GMANews.TV