We, the Association of Philippine Medical Colleges Foundation, Inc. (APMCFI), the umbrella organization of all medical schools in the Philippines, strongly protest the illegal arrest, harassment, and continued detention of the 43 health workers in Camp Capinpin, Tanay, Rizal.

We, the Association of Philippine Medical Colleges Foundation, Inc. (APMCFI), the umbrella organization of all medical schools in the Philippines, strongly protest the illegal arrest, harassment, and continued detention of the 43 health workers in Camp Capinpin, Tanay, Rizal.

We equally denounce the denial of the said workers rights during the initial interrogation, such as the right to information as expressed on the Miranda doctrine, and access to and communication with family and friends, including officials of the Commission on Human Rights. We, likewise, condemn the torture and inhumane treatment of the workers by blindfolding and handcuffing them even during times of personal necessities.

We are extremely angered by the military’s inability to recognize the health workers’ duty to treat and care for the people, regardless of political and religious beliefs and economic status, and jailing the very same workers who are only fulfilling their mission of serving the health needs of those without means and access to such services.

We are incensed that this singular act by the military could negate efforts of our Association and other government, private, and nongovernmental organizations to encourage health workers to stay and serve in the Philippines, especially in remote and underserved communities.

We demand the immediate release of the 43 health workers, urge the authorities to stop this unjust and inhumane practice, and appeal to all sectors to work together towards achieving better health for our country and our people.

Not heeding the call for the rule of law to prevail and for justice for the victims of this dastardly act will only result to more deprivation and reduced access and availability of health services to the poor and marginalized.

Under the present circumstances, it will be difficult to encourage our faculty, medical students and graduates to work in the underserved areas.

Free the 43 health workers now!

MA. GRACIELA G. GONZAGA, M.D.

President, APMCFI

ALFARETTA LUISA T. REYES, M.D.

Vice President, APMCFI

ALBERTO B. ROXAS, M.D.

Treasurer, APMCFI

FERNANDO S. SANCHEZ, JR., M.D.

Executive Director, APMCFI

RAMON L. ARCADIO, M.D., MHPEd

Deputy Executive Director, APMCFI

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