Protestants urge amnesty for political prisoners
Bishops dismiss government claims that there are none
- D'Jay Lazaro, Manila
- Philippines
- July 20, 2012
Protestant bishops called on the government yesterday to grant an amnesty to political prisoners after the government claimed there were none earlier this week.
The government's statement is "deplorable," said bishops belonging to the United Church of Christ in the Philippines.
Most of the political prisoners are activists suspected of being members of the communist underground movement. Others are communist rebels who have been arrested by authorities during military encounters in the countryside.
If the government grants a general amnesty, the Protestants said, "Then, it could truly be said that there are no political prisoners in the Philippines."
Political prisoners in 10 detention centers in the country started a seven-day protest fast on Monday to demand their freedom, while government spokesperson Edwin Lacierda announced earlier this week that political prisoners are a thing of the past.
SELDA, an organization of former political prisoners, says there are 385 political prisoners in various detention facilities nationwide. At least 107 of the prisoners have been detained during President Benigno Aquino's two years in power, the group says.
The Protestant bishops challenged Aquino to at least release the elderly and those with conspicuously trumped-up charges or medical conditions.
"We view such action as a significant step in bringing forward and revitalizing the peace talks [with communist rebels]," they said.
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Free political prisoners, say Christians
The government's statement is "deplorable," said bishops belonging to the United Church of Christ in the Philippines.
Most of the political prisoners are activists suspected of being members of the communist underground movement. Others are communist rebels who have been arrested by authorities during military encounters in the countryside.
If the government grants a general amnesty, the Protestants said, "Then, it could truly be said that there are no political prisoners in the Philippines."
Political prisoners in 10 detention centers in the country started a seven-day protest fast on Monday to demand their freedom, while government spokesperson Edwin Lacierda announced earlier this week that political prisoners are a thing of the past.
SELDA, an organization of former political prisoners, says there are 385 political prisoners in various detention facilities nationwide. At least 107 of the prisoners have been detained during President Benigno Aquino's two years in power, the group says.
The Protestant bishops challenged Aquino to at least release the elderly and those with conspicuously trumped-up charges or medical conditions.
"We view such action as a significant step in bringing forward and revitalizing the peace talks [with communist rebels]," they said.
Related reports
Free political prisoners, say Christians
