The Philippine President and considered as one of the most popular so far in the country, scheduled to release about 50 political prisoners before Christmas as part of his commitment for lasting peace and ends insurgency in the Philippines.
Pres. Rody Duterte noted that these political prisoners who will be release are mostly women, elderly, sick and long-term detainees. They could be set free in the coming weeks as part of the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front (NDF) peace negotiations.
In an interview with Manila Bulletin on Sunday, CPP NPA Secretary General Wilma Tiamzon was quoted as saying "They are trying to release a batch of 50," Tiamzon said. When asked if this could happen in time for Christmas, Tiamzon replied that "Masyado na matagal iyon (That would be late)," she said.
Aside from Tiamzon who confirmed the release, a member of the government peace panel (GRP) also confirmed to the media that "the next batch of political detainees will be released because of humanitarian reasons - many of them will be women, the sick, the elderly and those who have been detained for more than 10 years."
A source revealed to Manila Bulletin that both the GRP and the NDF lawyers have been "exploring all legal means to secure the release of the prisoners." Both panels also noted that they are now doing their best o allow political prisoners to post bail, get a pardon from Pres. Duterte, or the withdrawal f cases filed by the national government.
For the record there are still 432 political prisoners that the NDF has reportedly asked the Duterte administration to immediately release upon the resumption of the Peace Talks between the Philippine Government and the National Democratic Front.
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| Pres. Duterte Welcomes Members of NDF at the Malacanang Palace (Phot Credit: Manila Bulletin) |
In an interview with Manila Bulletin on Sunday, CPP NPA Secretary General Wilma Tiamzon was quoted as saying "They are trying to release a batch of 50," Tiamzon said. When asked if this could happen in time for Christmas, Tiamzon replied that "Masyado na matagal iyon (That would be late)," she said.
Aside from Tiamzon who confirmed the release, a member of the government peace panel (GRP) also confirmed to the media that "the next batch of political detainees will be released because of humanitarian reasons - many of them will be women, the sick, the elderly and those who have been detained for more than 10 years."
A source revealed to Manila Bulletin that both the GRP and the NDF lawyers have been "exploring all legal means to secure the release of the prisoners." Both panels also noted that they are now doing their best o allow political prisoners to post bail, get a pardon from Pres. Duterte, or the withdrawal f cases filed by the national government.
For the record there are still 432 political prisoners that the NDF has reportedly asked the Duterte administration to immediately release upon the resumption of the Peace Talks between the Philippine Government and the National Democratic Front.