“I believe that we are one in the cause of justice for the poor people. With this, I appeal for your help for the release of all political prisoners in the Philippines,” thus wrote detained volunteer teacher Rhea Pareja, one of the 491 political prisoners in the Philippines, in a letter to Pope Francis.
“I believe that we are one in the cause of justice for the poor people. With this, I appeal for your help for the release of all political prisoners in the Philippines,” thus wrote detained volunteer teacher Rhea Pareja, one of the 491 political prisoners in the Philippines, in a letter to Pope Francis.
Political prisoners wrote letters for the Pope, in time for His Holiness’ upcoming visit to the Philippines in January 2015. Among those who appealed for the intercession of Pope Francis for their release are Maria Miradel Torres and Andrea Rosal, both were pregnant during their illegal arrests and are currently detained with Pareja at the Female Dormitory of the Taguig City Jail in Camp Bagong Diwa.
In her letter, Pareja, 26, said she was a volunteer teacher who was participating in the Adult Literacy Program of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) when she was arrested in March 15, 2010 in Mulanay, Quezon.
Evidence was planted against Pareja, which is why she asserts that the charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives are all fabricated. She was also charged as an NPA member, with the military coining various aliases placed in her name.
She experienced physical and psychological torture while in detention, while her belongings were taken away from her, including money meant for the education program for students in 18 barangays in Quezon.
“I have been in jail for nearly five years, and during my detention, I have suffered from tuberculosis,” Pareja added, citing difficult and unsanitary conditions in jail.
Jigs Clamor, national coordinator of Selda, said that volunteer teachers, health, aid and disaster workers are faced with numerous forms of political repression in the course of their work. “Instead of honoring those who render services for the poor and those who are in need, the BS Aquino regime considers them threats to national security and throws them in jail,” Clamor added.
The political prisoners are gearing for a nationwide fast to call for their immediate release during the visit of Pope Francis in the Philippines.###