FORTY-THREE detained health workers began a hunger strike on Friday to press President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino to order the withdrawal of criminal charges against them.
The health workers, also called the “Morong 43,” were accused of the nonbailable offense of illegal possession of firearms and explosives. They were arrested on Feb. 6 by police and military agents in Morong, Rizal, who also said the health workers were actually communist rebels.
In a statement, the group said the hunger strike was “the only course of action left us to end our continued illegal detention, there being no clear action by the government for our unconditional release.”
Members of the group began their hunger strike at 6 a.m.
The health workers—who include two doctors, a nurse, a midwife and health volunteers—said planted evidence was used against them. They also accused their captors of using physical and psychological torture.
Although the Department of Justice has reviewed the case and submitted its findings to Aquino, no move has been taken to order a withdrawal of the charges.
The DOJ’s findings are being kept confidential although Malacañang has been reported as saying the warrant used against the health workers appeared to be defective.
On Dec. 2, medical and legal groups held a protest march calling for the unconditional release of the detained health workers. The groups included the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, National Union of Peoples Lawyers, International Association of Progressive Lawyers, International Association of Democratic Lawyers and the Philippine Nurses Association.
Most of the detained health workers are being kept at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig. Five are at Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal, and two have been confined at the Philippine General Hospital after giving birth while in prison.