Workers seek release of detained labor leaders

MANILA, Philippines - Militant workers are looking forward to the release of detained unionists and labor rights advocates with the incoming government’s pronouncement to free 500 political prisoners.

“We are hopeful that our fellow workers, unionists and labor rights advocates who have been illegally detained would come home to their families any time soon,” Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) chair Elmer Labog said.

Labog expressed hope that over 500 political prisoners, including unionists and labor rights advocates who were detained illegally, could be released as soon as possible.

“The Duterte administration’s commitment to release political prisoners even before an amnesty law is signed shows how Duterte is way ahead of his predecessors in his sincerity to achieve peace in the country,” Labog noted.

President-elect Rodrigo Duterte, however, has denied that political prisoners will be released before an amnesty.

Yesterday, the members of KMU marched to Mendiola to welcome the resumption of peace talks between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front.

“It is high time that the two parties hold talks toward a just and lasting peace by addressing the roots of armed conflict in the country,” Labog said.

The labor leader said the resumption of talks could also serve as a venue to address the issues and substantial demands of Filipino workers that have long been rejected by previous administrations. These include the junking of contractualization and the implementation of a national minimum wage of P750.

Incoming labor secretary and government head peace negotiator Silvestre Bello said many of the 500 political prisoners to be released have been detained for more than 10 years and are already old or sick – or both. – With Paolo Romero