San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza called for the immediate release and compassionate parole of political prisoners, especially the elderly and those suffering from illnesses, during a Mass for political prisoners and persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Bago City District Jail on Monday, December 30.
As co-chair of the One Negros Ecumenical Council (ONEC), Alminaza emphasized the need for the government to act swiftly and show compassion in addressing the plight of those detained under questionable circumstances.
The bishop’s statement aligned with the message of Pope Francis following the pontiff’s visit to a prison complex in Italy.
During the visit, Pope Francis said that governments must take proactive steps to “restore hope” by offering “amnesty or pardon” and implementing “reintegration programs” for persons deprived of liberty.
At snail’s pace
Alminaza echoed this sentiment and urged the government to release individuals imprisoned on questionable charges, particularly those who have spent prolonged periods in detention without proper hearings.
“I deplore the situation of our political prisoners, whose hearings are continuously delayed, and some of whom have languished in jail for over a year without a single hearing,” Alminaza said, condemning the slow justice system and repeated court delays.
Alminaza’s appeal focused on the plight of elderly and ailing political prisoners, some of whom have been incarcerated for decades.
He said, “This is not just about justice but about compassion.” Invoking the words of the prophet Isaiah, the bishop urged, “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.”
Alminaza said that authorities currently incarcerate113 political prisoners on Negros Island, which constitutes 15% of the national total. Many of these individuals, including activists advocating for the rights of farmers, workers, and marginalized communities, are facing charges that are politically motivated.
“Fighting for basic rights should not be criminalized. Instead of vilifying these individuals, we must address the root causes of poverty and inequality that fuel such activism,” the bishop added.
Red-tagging
Alminaza’s appeal comes at a time when the province has seen some victories in the struggle for justice.
In November, the court dismissed the charges against nine political prisoners, including Pastor Jimie Teves and youth leaders Carmen Jonahville Matarlo and John Michael Tecson, leading to their release.
However, Alminaza stressed that much work remains. He also condemned the ongoing practice of red-tagging, which has led to the false criminalization of activists.
He described red-tagging as a “systematic attack on democracy and human rights” that silences dissent and perpetuates injustice.
“We must come together to combat these dangerous practices that undermine our democracy,” Alminaza said.
As Catholics embrace the Jubilee Year, the bishop urged the faithful to become “Pilgrims of Hope,” inspiring them to face injustices with courage and strive for a society that upholds the dignity of every individual.
“We must find the courage to stand up for the oppressed, to heal the wounds of injustice, and to advocate for the liberation of all who suffer unjustly,” he said.
Amid the chaos, the bishop appealed for legal reforms and the cultivation of a compassionate society that genuinely upholds justice and respects human dignity.
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.