Lawyer expects release of Morong 43 members this week

The 43 health workers arrested last February on suspicion of being communist rebels may be released by Thursday this week, even as their supporters prepare a grand welcome for them. Rachel Pastores, a lawyer for the 43, said that while they can file a motion for the release of the workers, court rules dictate that courts be given three days to rule on a motion. "Ang court pwede mag-issue ng order releasing them (pero baka) hihintayin ang three days para i-set ng court ang hearing (The court can issue an order releasing them but we may have to wait three days before the court sets a hearing)," Pastores said in an interview on dwIZ radio. When asked if the release Thursday or within this week is almost certain, she said: "Oo (yes), definitely." Pastores said they expect the Justice Department to formalize the dropping of charges against the 43, after President Benigno Aquino III ordered the dropping of charges against them. Last Friday, Aquino announced he was ordering the dropping of charges against the 43, after finding that the 43 were denied due process. Aquino earlier said he will not touch the Morong 43 issue. Later that day, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said the 43 could be released before Christmas. (See: DOJ targets release of Morong 43 before Christmas) The Morong 43 workers are facing charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives, as well as violation of the election gun ban. The cases are pending before four Morong regional trial courts and two Morong metropolitan trial courts in Rizal province. Charges vs AFP Meanwhile, Pastores said they are not yet prioritizing possible charges against the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, as their focus now is the release of the 43. She said they will first consult with the 43 detainees on their sentiments before pursuing charges against the police and military operatives who arrested them last Feb. 6. "Once the 43 are released, that’s the time we will tackle it. I want to know the detainees’ sentiments first. For now our focus is the release of the 43," she said in Filipino. "After the release, we will discuss the charges to ensure justice. Justice dictates that those who are at fault be made to account for their actions. We are now contemplating our next move," she added. At the same time, Pastores said relatives and supporters of the 43 health workers are preparing a big welcome for them once they are formally released. She said plans are also being finalized for the 43 to hold a press conference so they can tell the public about their ordeal and thank their supporters. "There will be a big welcome for them. There will be a party to welcome them back. It is a big thing for them especially because they are released at Christmas time," she said. Other cases Meanwhile, Pastores said they will help "five to six" members of the Morong 43 who De Lima said are still facing other charges and may not be released immediately. "We will help them face the charges once we get a copy of the complaint against them. But as far as this Morong 43 case is concerned, we expect it to reach a final decision," she said. — RSJ, GMANews.TV