A rights group is urging the Commission on Human Rights to push for the immediate release of elderly political prisoners in the Philippines. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News 

MANILA — A prisoners' rights group has called on the government to release sick and elderly political prisoners across the country.

In a letter submitted to the Commission on Human Rights on Thursday, the Samahan ng Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detensyon at Aresto (SELDA) urged the CHR to push for the immediate release of prisoners who are terminally ill and elderly.

SELDA Vice Chairperson Danilo dela Fuente and spokesperson Boni Ilagan, both Martial Law survivors, met with CHR representatives in its main office in Quezon City.

Human rights group Karapatan said there are 754 political prisoners in the country as of June 30, 2024. Of this number, 90 are elderly and 102 are facing illnesses that need critical medical attention.

READ: Oldest political prisoner in PH released on Palace order

The group urged the CHR to check on three specific cases including that of 58-year-old labor researcher Ernesto Jude Rimando, who has advanced-stage liver cancer.

Other cases highlighted are those of 79-year-old Rosita Taboy who has diabetes, kidney disease, and glaucoma as well as 49-year-old Marites Coseñas who was diagnosed with breast cancer.

"Nais namin pagtuunan ng pansin itong 7 na nakapaloob dito sa letter namin kay Atty. [Richard] Palpal-latoc. Malala na yung mga sakit nila. Yung isa nasa Philippine General Hospital bedridden advanced stage ng cancer. Ano pa ang hinihintay ng ating pamahalaan para unawain ang kanilang kalagayan? This is a matter of life and death," Ilagan said. 

Ilagan highlighted the need for a measure to allow the "compassionate release" of terminally ill elderly prisoners.

"Kami maging sa ating legislature, kami ay may finile na panukala upang magkaroon ng ganung batas. Yun na nga yung compassionate release. At sa aming panukala itong mga kondisyon ng political prisoners sa letter na ito ay pasok na pasok sa compassionate release," Ilagan explained.

"Mga older persons yung tinatawag nating senior citizens, yung may mga sakit, especially mga terminally sick, yung mga kababaihan na buntis o kapapanganak lang. Itong lahat ay dapat unawain. Kung talagang compassionate ang ating lipunan."

 In October 2022, Makabayan Bloc lawmakers filed House Bill 5595 seeking to amend Republic Act No. 10389 or the Recognizance Act of 2012.

The amendments include adding those of advanced age or fragile health and pregnant women in consideration for release. 

Currently, only those who cannot post bail due to poverty may be considered under the measure.

Those seeking compassionate release must show medical records and other documents to prove their deteriorating state of health and being in jail endangers their life.

SELDA also called on CHR to look into the cases of three activists who are being in jail for alleged trumped-up terror charges in Laguna, Leyte, and Cagayan de Oro.

Following the meeting, SELDA said the CHR would visit the prisoners mentioned in the group's letter to check on their condition.