Political prisoners to fast during Pope's visit

MANILA, Philippines - Close to 500 political prisoners nationwide will hold a four-day fasting to call on Pope Francis to intervene and help in their release during His Holiness' visit in the country.

 

In an open letter to the Pope, Nicollete Gamara, 25, daughter of political prisoner Renante Gamara said that the inmates will light candles inside their detention facilities to show their solidarity for the release of all political detainees from January 15 to January 19.

 

"We enjoin you to be in solidarity with them through solidarity fasts, skipping one or two meals or snacks," she said. 

 

Renante is now detained at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

 

"With the upcoming visit of Pope Francis in the Philippines, we ask you to join us in spreading the message of hope for the release of our fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers and all political prisoners," she said. 

 

Pope Francis will be visiting the Philippines to see the situation of the millions affected by supertyphoon Yolanda that devastated parts of Eastern Visayas.

 

Meanwhile, families of the political detainees, victims of extra judicial killings and enforced disappearances will troop to the Papal Nuncio residence to welcome the Pope on the eve of his arrival.

 

They will also attend the Holy Mass to be celebrated by the Pope at the Manila Cathedral on January 16.