Health workers buck promotion of 2 ‘tormentors’

A file photo showing one of the 43 health workers arrested by the military in a raid in Morong, Rizal, thrusting a clenched fist as they are boarding their bus on their way to Camp Capinpin Detention facility in Tanay, Rizal. INQUIRER PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – A group of health workers is protesting the promotions of two military officers who are facing rights-abuse charges in the arrest and detention of the so-called Morong 43 in 2010.

In a letter to the Commission on Appointments, the Council for Health and Development pointed out that Major General Jorge Segovia and Colonel Aurelio Baladad are facing at least three cases of human rights violations.

President Benigno Aquino III recently promoted Segovia to major general and Baladad to brigadier general, but the promotions need confirmation by the Commission on Appointments.

The health workers’ group urged the commission to reject the promotions.

Among those who signed the letter was Dr. Alexis Montes, one of the 43 left-leaning health workers arrested in a military and police raid on a private resort in Morong town, Rizal, on Feb. 6, 2010. The military said they were communist New People’s Army (NPA) cadres and brought weapons and explosives charges against them.

When  Aquino took over in June 2010, he ordered the charges withdrawn and the 43 freed.

Six of them have sued former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for damages. Eight have brought torture charges against Arroyo, two former military chiefs, Segovia, Baladad, other military and police officials.

Five of the health workers have admitted to being NPA cadres. John Mark Barrientos, Valentino Paulino, Eleonor Orgena, Jenilyn Pizarro, and Chenelyn Tawagon also denied being tortured and said they would testify for the military at the trial of the cases.

Montes said the five could deny being tortured, “but they cannot speak for the rest of us.”