The 43 health workers arrested in Morong, Rizal last Feb. 6 who are now detained at the military’s Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal while facing trumped-up charges have revealed attempts by their soldier-custodians to have them cooperate with the military.

The warning made by a Malacanang spokesperson that a failure of elections could lead to a military junta is a veiled endorsement of an Arroyo holdover, according to the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan.The militant group also expressed the belief that credible polls would be a difficult achievement so long as Arroyo is in power.

The umbrella group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan today said that the contradicting claims of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police expose the illegality of the arrest of the 43 health workers in Morong, Rizal last February 6.

Bayan said that there were serious legal flaws in the operation and that the AFP and PNP are now pointing at each other.

During the Commission on Human Rights hearing last March 18, the AFP’s Col. Aurelio Baladad said that the raid in Morong was primarily a police operation and that the AFP merely provided support. However, the PNP refuted this by saying that it was the PNP who provided support for the AFP operation.

The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) joins the people of the world in commemorating the seventh anniversary of the United States-led invasion and occupation of Iraq. We join the thousands protesting worldwide in calling for an end to the US occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan.

Despite being more than in year in office, the Obama administration has not shown any substantial departure from the imperialist agenda that was laid down by George W. Bush when he led the invasion and occupation of Iraq. There are indications that despite Obama’s pledge to end US combat operations in Iraq, the US forces intend to stay, set up bases and continue their direct and indirect control of the Iraqi puppet government.

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) hearing on the complaint filed by the “Morong 43” in relation to the violation of their rights proceeded today, March 18, as scheduled.