Supreme Court allows trial of ‘Morong 43’ accused

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) has given the green light for the Sandiganbayan to proceed with the trial of seven military and police officials accused of the alleged illegal detention and torture of 43 health workers in Morong, Rizal in 2010.

In a resolution promulgated last March 13 and released yesterday, the SC’s Third Division upheld the 2017 ruling of the anti-graft court denying the motion to quash the case, filed by retired Lt. Gen. Jorge Segovia, retired Maj. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, Brig. Gen. Joselito Reyes, Col. Cristobal Zaragoza, Police Supt. Marion Balonglong, Police Supt. Allan Nobleza and Police Chief Insp. Jovily Cabading.

The SC dismissed for lack of merit the petition filed by the accused seeking reversal of the Sandiganbayan ruling.

The Sandiganbayan has proceeded with the hearing of the case for violation of Section 4(a) of Republic Act 7438, or the Act Defining the Rights of Person Arrested, Detained or Under Custodial Investigation.

Last March 5, the Sandiganbayan allowed the accused to file a demurrer to evidence in the case. The anti-graft court affirmed its ruling on April 11.

“Morong 43” are the 43 health workers, accused of being New People’s Army members, who were arrested in February 2010 on charges of illegal possession of explosives. They were released 10 months later after the Department of Justice withdrew the charges against them.