Release of ‘Morong 43’ member who has just given birth sought

Some 30 health workers on Monday trooped to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) to show support to one of the members of the so-called Morong 43 who gave birth there last month. They also called on the PGH management, the Court of Appeals, and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to release Judylyn Oliveros so she can be with her new-born child. “[The] right of detained mother to be with her baby is recognized by law. Enforcing separation between her and her child is unjust and morally unacceptable," said Dr. Julie Caguiat, spokesperson of the Free the 43 Health Workers Alliance. Morong 43 refers to the 43 health workers arrested in Morong, Rizal last February 6 on suspicion that they were members and supporters of communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels. The group was allegedly on a bomb-making seminar when arrested. Oliveros gave birth via cesarean procedure to a baby boy at the PGH last July 22. Another member of group, Mercy Castro, is scheduled to give birth this year. Caguiat said Oliveros is scheduled to be brought back to Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig on Tuesday. The Free the 43 Health Workers Alliance had sought the assistance of religious groups who had signified their willingness to provide shelter to Oliveros and her son. - KBK, GMANews.TV