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IMMEDIATELY
RELEASE DETAINED MINORS IN BICOL
NEWS RELEASE
12 April 2001
Legaspi city -- "As a sign of goodwill and sincerity in pursuing the peacetalks, the three minors detained in Albay Provincial Jail should be released immediately," demanded Liza Maza, nominee of BAYAN MUNA Partylist and Secretary General of GABRIELA, in a campaign sortie in the province last Monday.
The three minors, 15-year old Neschil Navarro, 16-year old Ailyn Navarro and 17-year old Lamberto Nubla are included in the list of political prisoners recommended for immediate release submitted to Malacanang. But to date, Malacanang has reportedly no decision on their cases yet.
They were arrested on October 15, 2000 while staying at Erineo Nasayao's house, a relative of the Navarros. The members of the police force led by a certain SPO4 Ricardo Tantiado claimed that they received reports that members of the New People's Army were staying in the area.
"But we were only spending the night there because it was raining so hard and we can't go home to Caguiba after visiting the Grotto of Lourdes," explained Ailyn in Bicol.
The police interrogated them for almost 12 hours without let-up. They were forced to own the machine guns and grenades allegedly found by the police in the area. They were likewise forced to sign several documents with out the presence of a counsel and without letting them read its content. "I cried due to fear and exhaustion," recalled Neschil.
Maza reminded the Arroyo government that one of the crucial aspects of pursuing the peace talks is the release of political prisoners. "It has been a milestone on the government side to open its door once again to the peace talks. But, as we look forward to it's formal resumption, we should consider crucial aspects prior to its resumption such as the release of political prisoners, especially the women and minors, " said Maza.
Maza revealed that GABRIELA has documented 13 women and minor political prisoners detained in several parts of the country. "But we are disheartened to discover that only very few are included in the list for immediate release, and the three minors-- the Navarro sisters and Nubia are not even included," stated Maza. ###
