THE family of detained rebel leader Roy Arbolera Erecre plans to seek the Commission on Human Rights’ help after the police allegedly refused to bring him to the hospital despite his failing health.
Erecre’s son Joseph and sister Mary Moxie Erecre Taneo said his illness will worsen if he is not taken to the hospital since his detention cell in Bohol has poor ventilation.
Erecre, a consultant of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army, was arrested in Davao City last April 7 and was brought to Cebu last April 8. He was brought to the Bohol District Jail last April 9.
The rebel leader is facing charges for rebellion, robbery in band and frustrated murder in the Regional Trial Courts in Bohol and Negros Oriental.
In a press conference yesterday, Joseph said his father did not violate any law and all the charges against him were only fabricated by authorities.
Taneo said Erecre was able to undergo laboratory tests in Davao City shortly before his arrest and was diagnosed with venous insufficiency, Peripheral Arterial Disease and diabetes, resulting to his blurred eyesight.
Human rights group Karapatan gave the media a copy of the press statement of Fr. Luis Jalandoni, chairperson of the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP) negotiating panel, who condemned the illegal arrest and detention of Erecre.
Jalandoni said Erecre holds an NDFP Document of Identification No. ND978243 under the name Vide Alguna.
He was reportedly issued a Letter of Acknowledgment as an NDFP consultant for the Visayas on April 20, 2001 by then Government of the Republic of the Philippines negotiating panel chairman Silvestre Bello III.
“The above named person is entitled to the safety and immunity guarantees (Jasig) for the duration of the peace negotiations. You are hereby required to facilitate the safe conduct and free passage of the above named person,” read Bello’s acknowledgment letter.
When sought for comment on the Erecre family’s complaint, Lt. Jim Alagao, spokesperson of the Central Command, said the matter is now the concern of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology since the rebel leader has been arrested and detained.
In the same press conference, Jaime Paglinawan, chairman of Bayan Central Visayas, urged President Aquino to continue the peace negotiations with the NDFP and revisit what has been discussed during the presidency of Fidel Ramos and Joseph Estrada.