Political prisoners’ families ask for Pope Francis’ help

MANILA, Philippines – A day before Pope Francis’ historic visit to the Philippines, families of political prisoners storm the Apostolic Nunciature in Manila asking for the pontiff’s help. The families’ pleas are a long shot but they say Pope Francis’ stance on human rights and justice brings them hope.

David Lozada reports.

While most Filipinos are celebrating Pope Francis’ visit, these families are crying for justice.

Relatives of 32 political prisoners in Camp Bagong Diwa storm the Apostolic Nuncio in Manila a day before the Argentinian pontiff’s arrival. They are asking for the Pope’s help.

Julieta Caloza came all the way from Nueva Ecija pleading for her husband’s release. Her husband Leopoldo has been imprisoned for 8 years after being branded a rebel.

JULIETA CALOZA, WIFE OF POLITICAL PRISONER: Siya po ay kinasuhan ng 20 kaso na pawang mga kriminal at ito po ay gawa gawa lamang. Mag-isa ko lamang pong itinataguyod ang aking 2 anak kaya po matagal na po akong nananawagan sa lahat ng presidente na sana naman po ay mapalaya siya.(He was charged with 20 criminal cases and all of those were made up. I had to raise my 2 kids alone. I’ve been asking all the presidents to release him but to no avail.)

The group’s request has a historical precedent. During Pope John Paul II’s two visits in the country, political prisoners were released by the government upon the pontiff’s intercession. According to Julieta, Pope Francis’ stance on human rights and justice gives them hope.

The biggest challenge they face is making sure their messages reach the pope.

DAVID LOZADA, REPORTING: Pope Francis will stay here in the Apostolic Nuncio in Manila during his 5-day visit to the Philippines. As part of the government’s tight security arrangements, supporters and pilgrims are not allowed to camp around the area while the pontiff is here. But families of political prisoners still hope they can send their message to the pope through their nationwide hunger strike.

The 32 political prisoners in Camp Bagong Diwa have been on a hunger strike for 5 days. When the pope arrives in Manila, 491 political prisoners across the country will join the strike.

Karapatan Secretary-General Tinay Palabay says the pope needs to see the reality in the country.

TINAY PALABAY, KARAPATAN SECRETARY-GENERAL: We welcome him with open eyes and open arms showing him the real deals that plague the Philippines. One of such is the continuing human rights violations sa ating bansa. Yung plight ng mga political prisoners who were unjustly imprisoned because of their beliefs.

Julieta Caloza knows her plea is a long shot.

JULIETA CALOZA, WIFE OF POLITICAL PRISONER: Kaya po nandito ako ngayon ay para naman po sana sa pagdating ni Pope Francis ay ang aming karaingan at panawagan at ng lahat ng bilanggong politikal ay mapalaya na po sila. Sila po ay hindi kriminal, sila po ay marangal. Kami po ay mahirap lamang na magsasaka subalit kami po ay nagdurusa ngayon. (I’m here now hoping that when the pope arrives, he will hear our plea and call for the release of all political prisoners. They are not criminals, they are honorable people. We are just poor farmers suffering because of their loss.)

Families of political prisoners look forward to Pope Francis’ message of peace during his visit. They ask, will the Pope be here only for the Catholics or will he really be the champion of the oppressed and marginalized?

David Lozada, Rappler Manila. – Rappler.com