Detained teacher appeals to Pope Francis

MANILA, Philippines - Another political detainee is appealing to Pope Francis for her release from jail.

 

Rhea Pareja, a detained volunteer teacher, has written the Pope to intervene for the release of all the 491 political prisoners in the Philippines. 

 

"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," Pareja said in her letter to the Pope.

 

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 arrests.

 

They are now 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 when she was arrested in March 15, 2010 in Mulanay, Quezon. 

 

Pareja claimed that evidence was planted on her and that that the charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives are all fabricated. 

 

She was also charged as an New People's Army member, with the military coining various aliases placed in her name.

 

While detention, Pareja alleged that she experienced physical and psychological torture and her belongings were taken away, 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, a group advocating for the release of political detainees, said that volunteer teachers, health, aid and disaster workers are faced with numerous forms of political repression in the course of their work. 

 

The political prisoners are gearing for a nationwide fast to call for their immediate release during the visit of Pope Francis in the Philippines January next year.