PRESS RELEASE
February 10, 2010

The League of Filipino Students warned that the Armed Forces of the Philippines shall be liable under International Humanitarian Law for the illegal arrest and detention of 43 health workers who were engaged in a community health seminar in Morong, Rizal.

“The Geneva Convention had always been unequivocal in the protection of medical personnel during times of armed conflict – Medical personnel exclusively engaged in the prevention of disease shall be respected and protected in all circumstances. The community health seminar was organized precisely for the prevention of disease in far-flung communities.” This was the statement of Terry Ridon, National Chairperson of the League of Filipino Students, as the LFS trooped to the General Headquarters of the AFP in Camp Aguinaldo to press for the immediate release of the forty-three health workers.

Ridon also said that with the illegal search, arrest and continuing detention of the Morong 43, the AFP is in absolute violation of International Humanitarian Law because it is in no way protecting and respecting medical personnel engaged in a medical seminar as required by the Geneva Convention.

“Moreover, with the reports on torture and forced confessions being confirmed by the day, the military handlers and their chiefs may even be labeled as war criminals under International Humanitarian Law.” Ridon said.

He said that the AFP is also separately liable under international law for violating the Morong 43’s rights as civilians in the middle of an armed conflict. Civilians, including medical personnel, are protected under international humanitarian law from armed attacks and harassment even in non-international armed conflicts such as the ongoing communist insurgency.

“Clearly, there is no escape from liability for their atrocities against community health workers whose rights are violated as we speak. This appears to be the reward of the Arroyo regime for health workers trooping to the most underserved barangays precisely because of her failures in healthcare delivery.”

Ridon said that by labeling the Morong 43 as NPA rebels, the AFP is foolishly seeking to undo their own ignorant brazenness and complete disrespect for human life and dignity.

“The status of the Morong 43 is unquestionable. They are all part of legitimate non-government community health organizations. On the other hand, the position of the AFP is nothing but dubious conjecture, and the illegality of their acts are as clear as day.”

The LFS vowed to vigorously campaign for the release of the Morong 43 in the next few weeks.