Morong 43 workers welcome Aquino order to withdraw charges

The so-called "Morong 43" health workers arrested in February on suspicion of being communist rebels welcomed President Benigno Simeon Aquino III's order to withdraw the charges against them. The Morong 43 also expressed hopes that they would be released early enough to spend Christmas with their families. Radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported that the 43 health workers, collectively known as the Morong 43, along with their families and supporters, welcomed Aquino's order. "Welcome namin ang (We welcome Aquino's) statement. That's a very positive development," Carlos Montemayor, spokesman of the "Free the 43 Alliance," said in a separate interview on dzBB. However, Montemayor said the order could have come earlier, adding Aquino's order merely affirmed their contention that the 43 were denied due process. He said they are optimistic that all the 43 health workers will be freed soon. Militant umbrella group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan said Aquino's order is a "big victory" for the 43 workers and their supporters, who went on a hunger strike last week. They expressed hope the court proceedings will be fast enough so they can be released in time for Christmas. Earlier on Friday, Aquino ordered that the charges against the 43 workers be withdrawn, citing technicalities in their arrest. A separate report by dzBB's Tuesday Niu said hearings for the release of the 43 workers may start next week. However, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said at least six of the 43 still have other cases against them. Thankful detainees break into tears Some of the health workers detained at the Taguig City jail facility broke into tears after learning of Aquino's order, according to secretary general Renato Reyes of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, one of the Morong 43's staunch supporters. Reyes, who was visiting the inmates at Camp Bagong Diwa in anticipation of Aquino's announcement on Friday, was the one who broke the news to the inmates after hearing it on the radio. "Isa po itong malaking tagumpay para sa human rights sa Pilipinas at tagumpay sa lahat ng sumporta sa kanila," Reyes told GMANews.TV over the phone, with the sound of the cheering of the detainees in the background. Bayan thanked Justice Secretary Leila de Lima "dahil tinrabaho niya talaga ito at hindi siya tumigil." Reyes appealed to the DOJ to file immediately before the court a motion to dismiss the charges against the workers. Reyes expressed hopes that the "Morong 43" would be released as early as Monday next week if the court approves the motion. Asked if the health workers plan to hurl a counter suit against the Philippine National Police for their detention, Reyes said they would have to talk things over first. "Pag-aaralan po muna namin ang mga susunod naming hakbang pero definitely dapat managot ang mga responsable sa pagkakakulong nila," Reyes said. – with Mark Merueñas, VVP, GMANews.TV