MANILA, Philippines?(UPDATE 2) President Aquino ordered the Department of Justice to withdraw the charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives against 43 health workers arrested in Morong, Rizal, on suspicion of being members of the communist New People?s Army.

?The medical workers were arrested in the waning days of the Arroyo administration on the suspicion that they were aiding NPA insurgents. These are valid concerns. Nevertheless, we recognize that their right to due process was denied them,? President Aquino said in a brief televised speech on the occasion of International Human Rights Day.

?As a government that is committed to the rule of law and the rights of man, this cannot stand. Therefore, I have ordered the DOJ to withdraw the informations filed before the court,? Aquino added.

Aquino said he expected that his order, subject to court approval, would lead to the release of the 43 health workers.

Justice Secretary Leila De Lima, however, said that six of the detainees have outstanding warrants that aren?t related to the raid on the Morong resort where the 43 were arrested last February 6.

?Under existing rules we cannot free them if there are outstanding warrants of arrest against them in other cases,? De Lima said.

De Lima said the information on the six persons with other cases was provided by the Armed Forces. She said this was being verified by government prosecutors.

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