Bayan Muna awaits release of political prisoners

From the Daily Tribune (Jul 22): Bayan Muna awaits release of political prisoners

Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate has lauded incoming House Speaker Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez for signing House Resolution 17 that seeks the release of 519 political prisoners languishing in various jails nationwide.

“Speaker Bebot’s support is most welcome. This is definitely a boost in fast-tracking the release of all political prisoners and augurs well for the scheduled resumption of the formal peace negotiations between the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDF) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP),” Zarate said.

“A number of these political prisoners are already old and ailing and they were slapped with charges for crimes they did not commit. They should be freed immediately,” added the progressive solon.

Last week, Zarate also thanked Alvarez for co-authoring House Resolution 16 that calls for the resumption of the peace negotiations between the GRP and the NDF and for the release of NDF consultants participating in the talks.

“With the support shown by the incoming Speaker, we hope that more of our colleagues in Congress would also support the resolution as our share in the quest to finally address the roots of the armed conflict and for the attainment of a  just and lasting peace in our country,” Zarate said.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/bayan-muna-awaits-release-of-political-prisoners