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PHILIPPINES: Churches denounce health workers' detention, alleged torture
Among the health workers who were arrested on Feb. 6 in Morong, Rizal, are Dr. Alexis Montes, a member and former national health program coordinator of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, and Angela Dolorico, an indigenous woman from Sagada, Mountain Province, and a member of the Episcopal Church in the Philippines.
The health workers had been conducting a training course when, according to human rights alliance KARAPATAN, "around 300 heavily armed elements of the military and police" forced their way into the compound to make the arrests. The military has declared that the victims were members of a communist group and that explosives were found inside the compound.
"However, according to witnesses, the military conducted the search of the compound's premises only after all of the victims, as well as the residents, were already outside the buildings," KARAPATAN reported.
In the following days, the detainees were allegedly subjected to physical torture and denied visits from their families.
When Montes was allowed to meet with his son, he complained that his shoulders were sore "from being pulled back due to the prolonged binding of his hands behind his back," KARAPATAN reported. "He also told his son that during interrogation, he was told that he was standing at the edge of a ravine and every time he answered a question, he was poked with a pair of sticks forcing him backward. He also said that he was electrocuted. He did not lose consciousness but was paralyzed for a time."
On Feb. 25, lawyers representing the health workers were set to file complaints to the Commission on Human Rights against the Armed Forces of the Philippines, according to reports. The commission has previously issued a statement condemning the arrest.
The National Council of Churches in the Philippines has appealed to the authorities to release the health workers, saying that "this latest assault on human rights is a manifestation of a dysfunctional system claiming democracy yet denying basic rights to its citizens."
"With a dwindling budget for health, the least the government could do is to support non-government initiatives whose leaders and constituents, more often than not, represent the ideals of genuine community service and Christian selflessness," the statement added. "To our partners around the world, please continue to uphold us in your prayers and be unceasing in your solidarity with us."
The Rev. Rex Reyes, NCCP general secretary and a priest in the Episcopal Church in the Philippines, has said the "local outrage is growing" and encourages church partners and other advocates to sign a petition for the health workers' release.
The Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit, general secretary of the World Council of Churches, wrote to Philippines President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and members of her cabinet on Feb. 11 calling for the immediate release of those detained.
"I am distressed by the reported news that the detainees have been subjected to cruel and inhumane treatment amounting to torture and that they have been deprived of their basic human rights while in custody," said Tveit.
According to Ecumenical News International, Tveit noted that he is familiar with the UCCP and its leadership, and that Montes had been instrumental in developing community-based health programs in the Philippines.
"It is therefore more than unfortunate that Dr. Alex Montes and his co-workers were arrested and detained while they were involved in legitimate activities of humanitarian services as part of their Christian witness," Tveit wrote.
Ongoing human rights violations in the Philippines, including more than 900 extra-judicial killings and some 200 abductions, have been documented since Arroyo became president in 2001.
Former Obispo Maximo (Prime Bishop) of the Philippine Independent Church Alberto Ramento was found stabbed to death at his rectory in October 2006. Known for his advocacy work for peace and human rights, Ramento had been an outspoken critic of the Philippine government.
In September 2008, Episcopalian James Balao was abducted at gunpoint months after he complained to family and friends that he was under constant surveillance. Balao is a founding member of the Cordillera People's Alliance (CPA), a federation of grassroots organizations dedicated to the promotion and protection of indigenous peoples' rights. Balao remains missing.
The NCCP statement said Arroyo's government operates a system "where warlords are entitled their rights if not coddled by the powers that be while members of NGOs and people's organizations are not. It is a system where those who cause people's pain are allowed their maximum day in court and are even set free while those who ease the people's pain are labeled … leftists, communists, ad infinitum, arrested and tortured then denied any right, constitutional or otherwise."
Canon Margaret Larom, the Episcopal Church's team leader for global partnerships and program officer for international justice and peacemaking, said: "We in the Episcopal Church are so moved by the courage of people of faith in the Philippines, who witness daily – in word and deed, often at great personal sacrifice – to the importance of human rights for each and every person. They serve the poor and the marginalized. They stand up to the principalities and powers. They expose illegal and unjustifiable acts by those who should be serving their people. We thank God for giving our sisters and brothers in the Philippines the strength to speak, and act, on behalf of those who are prevented from doing so."
Meanwhile, Katribu, the progressive party of indigenous peoples in the Philippines, has announced that it is conferring the Katribu Kalasag Award on the 43 health workers "for bringing free health service to the poor and far-flung indigenous communities [and] for performing their medical duty to country and people at the risk of being arrested and tagged rebels."
Katribu President Beverly Longid said, "It is the least thing that we, indigenous beneficiaries of their selfless care and free health service, can do to thank them."
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