“Bilanggong politikal, palayain!” [Free political prisoners!] was the resounding call at a protest at the Commission on Human Rights in Quezon City on August 30, in time for this year’s commemoration of National Heroes Day.
Representatives and speakers from Bayan Muna, Samahan ng Manggagawa sa Slord Development Corporation, Kadamay, Gabriela Women’s Party, and Gabriela Metro Manila declared their demand to free union workers and activists that were arrested for simply fighting for the rights of the Filipino people. Political prisoners, as well as many unnamed others who fight for their compatriot’s rights and welfare, are the true heroes of the country—this was the message of the gathering.
Among the political prisoners mentioned was Esterlita Suaybaguio, a labor advocate and teacher who was arrested on August 26, 2019 through a search warrant issued by Quezon City Executive Judge Cecilyn Burgos-Villavert. Bayan Muna Representative Carlos Zarate dubbed Villavert’s office as a “warrant factory,” which affected about a hundred activists in Negros and Metro Manila.
Norinda Nacinopa from Samahan ng Manggagawa sa Slord Development Corporation recalled how political prisoner Romina Astudillo was one of the very first people to help workers from Slord, a sardines canning company in Navotas fish port, and Harbour Center, a bulk and break-bulk cargo company in Manila port area. She stated that if it weren’t for Astudillo and her fellow advocates, workers like them wouldn’t be able to fight for their rights.
“Hindi po kasalanan ang tumulong sa mga manggagawang naaapi’t yinuyurakan ng kapitalista!” Nacinopa said.
[It is not a crime to help workers oppressed by capitalists!]
Romina Astudillo was among the seven people arrested on Human Rights Day 2020 for illegal firearms and explosives possession charges, earning them the moniker Human Rights Day 7. Along with Astudillo were journalist Lady Ann Salem, unionists Dennise Velasco, Mark Ryan Cruz, Jaymie Gregorio, Joel Demate, and Rodrigo Esparago. Salem and Esparago’s cases were junked by a Mandaluyong court in February and they were released on March 5, while the rest are still in prison to this day.
Gabriela Women’s Party Representative Arlene Brosas said it is even tougher for current political prisoners who are only languishing in jail due to trumped-up crimes now that there is a pandemic. She demanded the vaccination of political prisoners especially those who are highly vulnerable to the disease.
Political prisoners’ kin group Kapatid said there are 715 political prisoners as of July 2021. Among them, 96 are sick with life-threatening illnesses while 68 are elderly.
Philippine prisons are known for their over congestion, dilapidated and old states and meagre funding for inmates’ food and upkeep. This becomes fatal during the pandemic, as physical distancing and isolation cannot be observed while food can be unhealthy. Even before COVID-19, other viral respiratory illnesses such as tuberculosis have plagued Philippine jails. They said thousands of inmates have tested positive for COVID-19, while there are also reports of deaths. Only a few hundreds have been reported as vaccinated, such as those in Quezon City and Mandaluyong through their local government units.
