11.4.11

Morong 43 plaintiffs unfazed by Arroyo and military reaction to civil case

“Whatever it takes, we are determined to make those torturers pay for their crimes.”

With sheer determination in their faces, six of the Morong 43* who filed a civil suit against Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo**, et al said that the cases they filed last April 4, 2011 is their contribution to end the culture of impunity in the Philippines.

“My colleagues and I are utterly unfazed by what Col. Baladad and Col. Parlade are rattling in the media. They should do better than to recycle old arguments that we are members of the NPA (New People's Army, an armed opposition group -- ed.). Our message is clear and strong, human rights violators must be made accountable for their crimes,” Gary Liberal, R.N., one of the plaintiffs said.

Liberal added that Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the top military officials named in their complaint are delusional for thinking they can get away with their crimes. “We enjoin all victims of human rights violations under the Arroyo administration to file a case and pursue justice.”

He ended that Macapagal-Arroyo and her cohorts should brace themselves for more lawsuits from their victims. “This is our contribution to end impunity in this country,” Liberal said.

Reference (April 11, 2011): Carlos Montemayor, RN - +63 922 499-6237 / (+632) 929-8109

* the name given to 43 Filipino health care workers illegally arrested and imprisoned for several months by the Philippine military

** former President of the Philippines

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