Labor group asks Aquino to release all political prisoners

MANILA, Philippines — Members of a militant labor group trooped to the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday to urge President Benigno Aquino III anew to order the immediate and unconditional release of the so-called political prisoners in the country.

Armed with whistles and handbells, around 30 protesters belonging to Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) reminded Justice Secretary Leila de Lima of her promise to work for the release of political detainees languishing in different jail facilities.

Judy Ann Miranda, PM secretary general, said Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) director Gaudencio Pangilinan had yet to comply with De Lima’s order last week to check on the conditions of former political activists now serving time at the New Bilibid Prisons (NBP) in Muntinlupa City.

“Secretary De Lima said her order should be implemented within 48 hours. It’s already been a week, but nothing has been done yet,” Miranda lamented.

She then expressed confidence that Mr. Aquino’s recent meeting with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leader would pave the way for the eventual release of all political prisoners.

“We hope that political prisoners reap the early gains from the improving environment for peace talks,” Miranda said in a separate statement.