“With the Quezon City Regional Trial Court’s issuance of a release order for Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran, there’s no more reason for the Philippine National Police to keep him illegally detained at the PNP General Hospital . Ka Bel’s detention is unlawful and without basis in the first place.” This was the assertion of KMU Spokesperson Prestoline Suyat as the labor group joined Anakpawis in a picket protest outside the Quezon City Metropolitan Court this morning.

Despite the QC Court order signed by Judge Evangeline Castillo, PNP Sr. Supt. Samuel Pagbilao refused to release Ka Bel due to the rebellion charges filed against him at the Makati Regional Trial Court. KMU asserted that the rebellion case filed by the Marcos administration against Ka Bel was dismissed in 1988 when he was still the Chairman of KMU and his supposed links with Magdalo soldiers were unfounded.

“The government is conveniently using purported cases to suppress Ka Bel, Anakpawis Party List and KMU. Then and now, Ka Bel is not guilty of anything. He just stood by his political beliefs and advocated the interests and welfare of Filipino workers and toiling masses.”

Suyat said it is very obvious that the government is using the rebellion charges against Ka Bel to prolong his illegal detention at Camp Crame . “All accusations hurled against Ka Bel were comprehensively debunked by his legal counsels led by Judge Ad Homimen Atty. Romeo Capulong. Anakpawis will present Ka Bel’s diary entries, passport and other evidences to prove that the allegations against him are all fabricated by military elements.”

The labor group noted that the campaign for Ka Bel’s release which is receiving overwhelming support from local and international organizations.” So far, there are 220 organizations from North America, Europe , Asia-Pacific supporting the international campaign for Ka Bel’s immediate release.

Meanwhile, KMU lambasted the Department of Justice (DOJ) for its misleading and malicious moves regarding the preliminary investigation of the Batasan 5 now held at the House of Representatives. “The Batasan 5 must be released together with Ka Bel.”

The Free Ka Bel Movement will spearhead a broad assembly of national labor centers and parliamentarians supporting Ka Bel’s release on March 16, 2006 and a whole Metro-Manila wide protest in support for Ka Bel’s release this coming March 15.