A report by KARAPATAN ((Alliance for the Advancement of People’s Rights))
Posted by Dr. Angie Gonzales for posting.
Photos: www.arkibongbayan.org

On February 1, around 40 medical practitioners and health workers participated in a one week First Responders Training, sponsored by the Community Medicine Foundation, Inc. (COMMED) and Council for Health and Development (CHD) at Dr. Melecia Velmonte’s Farm, a conference and training facility in Morong, Rizal.

Dr. Velmonte is a renowned and respected infectious disease specialist and a consultant at the Philippine General Hospital. Her farm is a regular venue of health trainings, with participants coming from both the communities and the academe.

At around 6:15 am on February 6, 2010, around 300 heavily armed elements of the military and police forced their way into the farm of Dr. Melecia Velmonte in Bgy. Maybangcal, Morong, Rizal. At gunpoint, the military forced the caretaker to open the gates. Inside, the soldiers fanned out to different directions. They also kicked the main door to get into the building.

When Dr. Velmonte and her son, Bob demanded for a search warrant, they were merely brushed aside by the military.

All medical practitioners and health workers, were ordered to line up at the garage, frisked, and handcuffed. The victims were also questioned and photographed by the military, while another took a video recording of the interrogation. The male victims were then blindfolded with old shirts brought in by the soldiers and secured with packaging tape. All of the personal belongings of the victims were also taken by the military.

When the participants were already handcuffed, it was only then that Police Superintendent Marion P. Balonglong showed Bob a search warrant for a certain Mario Condes of Bgy. Maybangcal, Morong, Rizal, charged with illegal possession of firearms. The search warrant dated February 5, 2010 and issued by Judge Cesar A. Mangrobang of Branch 22 of the Imus, Cavite Regional Trial Court, did not indicate the exact address of the Velmonte compound.

Bob asserted that the warrant did not specify their address, and that Mario Condes, who is subject of the warrant, is not even the owner of the house, but he was ignored by the authorities.

Outside the compound, were eight (8) vehicles. Along with the four (4) 6 x 6 military trucks were two (2) Armored Personnel Carriers (APC), a KIA Pride car, and an ambulance. Some of the vehicles had no plate numbers while the rest of the license plates were either covered, or smeared with mud.

The male health workers were loaded into the military trucks while female health workers were forced into the cars and vans. They were brought to Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal, headquarters of the 202^nd Infantry Brigade of Philippine Army.

The military declared that the victims were members of the New People’s Army because of the explosives allegedly found inside the compound. However, according to witnesses, the military conducted the search of the compound’s premises only after all of the victims, as well as the residents, were already outside the buildings. Witnesses also said that the military have brought in with them plastic bags with the GMA Kapuso logo printed on it.

Allegedly found were C4 explosives, a pistol with seven bullets, 3 grenades (one allegedly found under a pillow); beside the grenade were some improvised landmines. However, Bob said that they were not issued a receipt of the inventory of the said firearms and explosives.

The military and police arresting team were led by Col. Aurelio Baladad and Police Superintendent Marion Balonglong.

The illegal search of the Velmonte compound ended at past 9:00 in the morning of Saturday, February 6, 2010.

Prior to the incident, one of the participants related that on February 4, the grassy portion outside of the Velmonte compound caught fire at around 8:00 in the evening. Everyone panicked and went out of their sleeping quarters fearing the fire will cross over to the compound. Fortunately it did not and the fire died on its own.

On February 5, at around 11:00 pm, the dog tied near the male sleeping quarters and the geese nearby made a raucous. Then at around 12 midnight, the chickens in a coop nearby were also disturbed and cackled furiously. One of the male participants went out twice to check but did not see anybody.

In the afternoon of the February 6, Karapatan Deputy Secretary General Roneo Clamor, husband of Dr. Merry Mia, Olive Bernardo, Karapatan Services Head, along with Karapatan counsel, Atty. Ephraim Cortez, Dr. Geneve Rivera and Dr. Edelina De La Paz, chairperson of Health Action for Human Rights (HAHR), went to Camp Capinpin to inquire about the victims. They were not allowed to enter the camp premises.

On February 7, families and relatives of the illegally arrested went to Camp Capinpin to try to visit and see the conditions of the victims. They waited at the gate and held a short program but the 2^nd Infantry Division played very loud music trying to drown the speeches of the family members and their supporters. Two groups of fierce-looking dispersal units (with firearms and shields) were dispatched and blocked the gate of the camp. Later, Mr. Clamor and Dr. Caguiat were allowed to enter the camp premises but once again were not allowed to see the victims because allegedly they will be presented for inquest. They waited until very late in the afternoon no inquest took place.

On February 8, the team remained in Camp Capinpin. It was heard over the radio that the 2^nd IDPA issued a statement that an inquest took place at past 9:00 in the evening of the previous day.

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) issued a statement condemning the act of the arresting team. A team was dispatched by the CHR to Camp Capinpin. It was allowed to enter camp and Chairperson Leila De Lima was to follow later.

Suddenly, the 2^nd IDPA provided a tent, chairs, breads and juices for the people at the gate. The loud music was turned off.

When Chairperson De Lima arrived, the relatives requested her to intercede to allow them to see the victims. She agreed. However, only Chairperson De Lima with Dr. Rivera and two relatives were allowed to enter the camp. The other victims were denied entrance despite the agreement that all the relatives would be allowed to.

At around 3:00 pm, Chairperson De Lima went out of the camp and briefed the waiting families and relatives. She told the soldiers to allow the relatives to see their loved ones. They were finally allowed to enter. They entered by batches of seven. There were three batches.

They were only allowed 30 minutes each to speak to their loved ones. They could not freely talk because they were closely guarded by soldiers. But despite this, the horrors of what the victims suffered under their captors were revealed. It was learned that they were blindfolded and their hands bound behind with a plastic cuff since they were arrested until a few hours before Chairperson De Lima arrived. They slept sitting down but when the CHR team arrived, they were already placed in quarters with beds. All females were put together in one big room while the males were either given their own room or sharing a room with another with toilets. Their meals were fed to them and their guards pull down their underwears for them everytime they go to the comfort rooms. The female guards even washed the private parts of women detainee. They were deprived of sleep because they were repeatedly interrogated. Others related that the interrogation was done in unholy hours with the clear intention to deprive them of sleep.

Others related that they were physically tortured.

Dr. Alexis Montes complained to his son that his shoulders are sore from being pulled back due to the prolonged binding of his hands behind his back. He also told his son that during interrogation, he was told that he was standing at the edge of a ravine and everytime he answered a question, he was poked with a pair of stick forcing him backward. He also said that he was electrocuted. He did not lose consciousness but was paralyzed for a time.

Ely Castillo softly whispered to his sister to avoid being overheard by the soldier accompanying her that he was tortured. He was not able to elaborate because of the presence of the soldier.

Dr. Merry Mia related to her husband that she was alternately interrogated by “kind” and harsh men. The “kind” interrogators only asked about personal details, the harsh ones threatened her by saying “You know what we are capable of doing to you and your family.” “We will soon know who your husband is.” She was also asked over and over again where she lives, where she studied, and what her task was in the training, etc. There was an instance that three men interrogated her simultaneously. Threatening to harm her family. One of whom told her, “We’re not done with you yet. I will come back for you and will not let you sleep tonight.” Although she was not physically tortured, she was worried that the others were hurt because she heard screams of both men and women in pain.

Dr. Rivera saw Dr. Mia first before her husband. Dr. Rivera told the team that she found Dr. Mia in a fetal position. When she softly called her name, she raised her eyes but it took her a long time to recognize the very familiar face of her friend.

Victim/s :

Abducted, Illegally Arrested and illegally detained (partial list)

1. Dr. Merry Mia, Health Education and Training Services coordinator for Council for Health and Development (CHD), wife of Mr. Roneo Clamor (KARAPATAN Deputy Secretary General)
2. Dr. Alexis Montes
3. Gary Liberal, Registered Nurse (Jose Reyes Medical Memorial Center)
4. Teresa Quinawayan, Midwife
5. Lydia Obera, community health worker
6. Reynaldo Macabenta, community health worker
7. Angela Doloricon, community health worker
8. Delia Ocasia, community health worker
9. Jane Balleta, community health worker
10. Janice Javier, community health worker
11. Franco Remoroso, community health worker
12. Ailene Monasteryo, community health worker
13. Pearl Irene Martinez, community health worker
14. Elen Carandang, community health worker
15. Dany Panero, community health worker
16. Rayom Among, community health worker
17. Emily Marquez, community health worker
18. Emelia Marquez, community health worker
19. Glenda Murillo, community health worker
20. Ace Millena, community health worker
21. Ely Castillo, community health worker
22. Lalyn Saligumba, community health worker
23. Jovy Ortiz, community health worker
24. Samsung Castillo, community health worker
25. Mark Estrellado, community health worker
26. Miann Oseo, community health worker
27. Selvia Pajanosta, community health worker
28. Lolibeth Donasco, community health worker
29. Jenelyn Pizaro, community health worker
30. Ramon de la Cruz, community health worker
31. Jacqueline Gonzales, community health worker
32. Maria Elena Serato, community health worker
33. Mercy Castro, community health worker
34. Lea de Luna, community health worker
35. Judilyn Oliveros, community health worker
36. Valentino Paulino, community health worker
37. Yolanda Yaun, community health worker
38. Edwin Dematera, community health worker
39. Sherilyn Riocasa Tawagon, community health worker
40. Gerry Sustinto, community health worker
41. Jenmark Barrientos, community health worker
42. Mark Escartin, community health worker

Threat, harassment and intimidation; Violation of domicile

• Dr. Melecia Velmonte
• Bob Velmonte
• Bernardo Landag
• Two caretakers

For more info:
KARAPATAN (Alliance for the Advancement of People’s Rights)
National Office
Email: urgentaction@karapatan.org
Website: www.karapatan.org


Health Alliance for Democracy (HEAD)
Media Release
07 February 2010

HEAD Demands Immediate Release of Detained Medical Personnel

Health Alliance for Democracy (HEAD) called for the immediate release of two doctors, a nurse, midwife and other health workers (CHWs) arbitrarily arrested and illegally detained by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“Contrary to allegations made by Colonel Aurelio Baladbad of the 202nd Infantry Brigade, the people they are holding are long-time medical personnel who are well-known to their patients and the communities they serve,” declared Dr. Geneve E. Rivera, HEAD Secretary-General.

Dr. Alex Montes of Community Medicine Development Foundation (COMMED) and Dr. Merry Mia of the Council for Health and Development (CHD) were among those blindfolded and hauled to Camp Capinpin after elements of the AFP Southern Luzon Command and the Rizal Philippine National Police forced their way into a private resthouse in Morong, Rizal early yesterday morning.

The two doctors have been working with their respective NGOs for many years. Together with Mr. Gary Liberal, a nurse, Ms. Teresa Quinawayan, a midwife, and CHD staff members, they were conducting a health skills training with volunteers from various communities when they were arrested.

“Col. Balalad is now accusing all 43 of being members of the New People’s Army in order to justify their actions. The AFP should prove their allegations instead of using bogus arrest warrants and planted evidence.”

HEAD strongly condemned military allegations that bomb-making materials, guns, and even a claymore mine were found under the beds of the participants during their raid.

“The absurdity of the military’s story is confounding! The AFP conveniently finds these so-called weapons after confiscating all of the personal belongings of the participants as well as the materials used for the training. He (Baladlad) and his men should be reprimanded for gross abuse of authority and outright violations of basic human rights,” added Dr. Rivera.

Dr. Melecia Velmonte, who owns the resthouse, is a respected consultant of the Philippine General Hospital for infectious diseases. The place has three buildings and is a regular venue of health trainings. Yet, the AFP alleges that this is an “NPA training camp”.

The health group also denounced attempts by the military to link the party-list group, Bayan Muna.
“It is obvious that the Arroyo regime is doing everything to discredit legal organizations that have been critical of its anti-people policies. With such implicit consent, the worst forms of criminal behavior are those of state security forces, who conduct illegal raids and arrests with impunity, and who make baseless accusations with wanton disregard for the rule of law.”

“We demand an end to the abuses by the AFP, PNP, and the Arroyo regime. We demand the immediate release of our colleagues!” concluded Dr. Rivera. ###

For more info:
Dr. Geneve E. Rivera / Dr. Darby S. Santiago
Email: headphil@gmail.com

News Release
08 February 2010
By Rep. Luz Ilagan, House of Representatives
source: www.arkibongbayan.org
Arrest of 43 health workers, foul and election-related – Gabriela Women’s Party

Gabriela Women’s Party decries the arrest of 43 health workers and professionals, 26 of whom are women, attending training seminar held by Council for Health Development (CHD) as foul. It is part of a design to revive anew the state’s attempt to link progressive partylists with the armed revolutionary movement.

“It is foul, truly a characteristic of the Arroyo regime.

“We can see through clearly the malicious intent behind this arrest. CHD and the participants of the said training are known supporters of the progressive partylists’ causes and have a long, fruitful history of delivering health services to many neglected areas. By tainting their reputation, this regime hopes to dissuade the people from voting for progressive candidates and party lists,” Rep. Luz Ilagan said.

The 300 heavily armed soldiers and policemen barged into the rest house of Dr. Melecia Velmonte in Morong, Rizal, where the training was being held, Saturday, February 6, 2010. Explosives and guns along with Bayan Muna campaign materials were purportedly found as the rooms were searched without the presence of witnesses.

“This only tells us that said ‘evidence’ was deliberately planted to provide grounds for the mass-arrest. These people are health care providers to the poorest areas, and Gabriela Women’s Party laments over the fact that 26 of the arrested are women. More so, it’s the women and children who most benefited from the services they provided,” Rep. Ilagan said.

According to Ilagan CHD is among the partners of GABRIELA and GWP in their health programs for their local chapters nationwide.

Gabriela Women’s Party joins other organizations and sectors in demanding for the immediate, unconditional release of the 43 arrested health workers and professionals.

The party also expressed its indignation over the violation of the rights of the accused to their counsel of choice as they were subjected to ‘interrogation.’ It also fears that election-related violence could only escalate further if remains unchecked. #

Public Information Department
GABRIELA National Office

---

Health Alliance for Democracy (HEAD)
Media Release
09 February 2010

“AFP Tortured Detained Doctors and Health Workers” - HEAD

Health Alliance for Democracy (HEAD) strongly condemned the torture perpetrated by the Armed Forces of the Philippines on 43 doctors and health workers illegally arrested and detained since Saturday.

“Based on accounts by the detainees, the AFP has subjected them to various forms of torture and sexual harassment,” said Dr. Geneve E. Rivera, HEAD Secretary-General. She was among those who accompanied Commission on Human Rights Chair, Atty. Leila de Lima, who visited the detainees yesterday.

The illegally detained health personnel were handcuffed and blindfolded for more than 36 hours after being forcibly brought to Camp Capinpin, headquarters of the 202nd Infantry Brigade. They were also denied food and even bathroom privileges.

“They were not allowed to go to the bathrooms on their own, and their custodians were the ones who removed their underwear every time they had to urinate,” added Dr. Rivera. “A female health worker complained that a female custodian was even the one who washed her genitals after she used the bathroom.”

Family members cried openly when they were finally able to see their loved ones. Yet Colonel Aurelio Baladad did not even let this pass and taunted them by calling them “paid actors who are not really relatives of the detained”.

According to accounts by the relatives, the detainees were subjected to hours of interrogation despite their demands for legal counsel. The pregnant women were not spared.

Confined in dark cells and forced to listen to sounds of gunfire, the detainees were also forced to admit that they were members of the New People’s Army. They were not allowed to speak to each other and every night, they were slapped several times.

“One of the detained men already had sore arms and wrists from being tied down for so long,” added Dr. Rivera. Some had their pictures taken without their consent.

Dr. Alex Montes, who is already 60 years old, was electrocuted and repeatedly hit on the chest while being questioned. The pain was so much that after several hours, he was willing to admit to anything if only to end the brutal punishment he was receiving.

“The mental and physical torture inflicted by the AFP is inhumane and criminal. That they can do this to the very people who care for our lives and well-being speaks volumes as to the kind of soldiers and officers the military establishment employs,” added Dr. Rivera.

“We live in a time when civilian authorities under its chief executive, Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, provide the military and police implicit consent to conduct the worst forms of abuses on the people.”

“This is worse than the Marcos dictatorship. This is Oplan Bantay Laya, Mrs. Arroyo’s legacy of counter-insurgency aimed at civilians, especially those who serve the poor and those who are critical of her regime.” ####

For more info:
Dr. Geneve E. Rivera / Dr. Darby S. Santiago
Email: headphil@gmail.com


Press Release
Justice, Global and Ecumenical Relations Unit
The United Church of Canada
February 10, 2010

The United Church of Canada Calls for the Immediate Release of 43 Detained Health Workers

The United Church of Canada strongly condemns the arrest by 300 government security forces of two medical doctors, a nurse, a midwife and 39 health workers on 6 February 2010.

We call on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to immediately ensure that their rights are respected and to order their release.

We are informed by Philippine partners of the United Church of Canada that the victims were participants in a training course organised by the non-governmental organization, Council for Health and Development at the home of Dr. Melicia Velmonte in the province of Rizal. The United Church of Canada respects the work of the CHD to provide basic health services and train health care workers to serve in the many communities that have no access to health services. Dr. Velmonte is a renowned and respected infectious disease specialist. Dr. Merry Mia, the Education and Training Services coordinator for CHD and Dr. Alex Montes of Community Medicine Development Foundation, who were conducting the training, are dedicated proponents of community health care and worked many years with their respective NGOs. Dr. Montes is a member of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines which commends his work with marginalized communities.

The unfounded accusations that the victims are known members of the New People’s Army lead us to believe that the arrest and detention of these health workers are linked to the state agenda to terrorise those who struggle for human rights as the country approaches Presidential election in May 2010. We are informed by our Philippine partners that this is part of the campaign to discredit political parties and organizations, including party-list groups, who are critical of the government; a campaign to harass and intimidate the supporters of political parties and organizations, including party-list groups, who may pose a serious challenge to those who are entrenched in power during the coming election.

The United Church of Canada is deeply concerned that abuses such as the arrest and detention of the 43 health workers as well as political violence such as the massacre in Maguindanao will escalate during the run up to the election. We are concerned that these election-related violence and abuses will deter the citizens of the Philippines from effectively exercising their right to vote and the holding of a free and fair election in May 2010.

We join the voices of our partners and many international groups in calling on President Macapagal Arroyo to immediately order the release of the 43 health care workers who are now in illegal detention.

We call on the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police and all other government security forces and apparatus to end all forms of abuses, harassment, intimidation and violence against candidates, political parties and organizations, including party list groups, who are critical of the government.

We reiterate our call to the Philippine Government to implement the recommendations of the United Nations Special Rapporteur, Philip Alston, and scrap its counter-insurgency campaign, Operation Plan Bantay Laya.

We call on the Government of Canada to condemn the arrest of the 43 health workers and call for their immediate release.

We call on the Government of Canada to help safeguard the future of democracy in the Philippines by putting pressure on the Philippine Government to take immediate and concrete steps to implement measures to stop and prevent election-related violence and human rights abuses.

For more info:
Omega Bula, Executive Minister
obula@united-church.ca