DAVAO CITY – A partylist representative said the sincerity of the government to pursue peace should be proven by releasing women political prisoners.
Gabriela Women’s Party Representative Luzviminda Ilagan said the government currently has 527 political prisoners.
“Among them are 48 women and legitimate holders of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (Jasig), peace consultants and women with illnesses and nursing their infants,” Ilagan said.
“The burden of proving its sincerity in pursuing peace negotiations now falls on the shoulders of the Aquino government,” Ilagan said adding that the government should demonstrate its “intent and good will by setting all political prisoners free.”
Ilagan said there are women detainees in need of medical attention including Sharon Cabusao, Miradel Torres, Moreta Alegre and Wilma Tiamzon.
Ilagan said Cabusao, a former officer of the GABRIELA National Alliance, was arrested on fabricated charges last June 1 with husband Adelberto Silva and companion Isidro de Lima.
Cabusao is currently under alternative medical treatment for thyroid and blood-related diseases, said Ilagan.
She said Torres is now a nursing mother and a Gabriela member who was arrested while she was pregnant in Mauban, Quezon and accused of fabricated charges.
Meanwhile, Ilagan said, Alegre, now 68, is an elderly detainee convicted along with husband Jesus Alegre for murder charges in Negros Occidental.
Ilagan said Tiamzon, also accused of trumped-up charges, is a holder of the Jasig which guarantees the safety and immunity from suit of peace consultants.
The GWP has filed two House Resolutions calling for the resumption of peace negotiations.
