Kilusang Mayo Uno stands in solidarity with the call for the recognizance of the terminally ill political prisoner detained in Bohol, Ernesto Jude Rimando. The inhumane treatment and neglect of political prisoners, particularly those who are sick, is a blatant violation of their human rights and a stark reminder of the repressive nature of the current administration.
Atty. Kristian Lora of the Visayas Community Law Center filed a petition at Carmen, Bohol Regional Trial Court on June 19, 2024 on behalf of Ernesto Rimando, who is currently suffering Stage 4 liver cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and pulmonary tuberculosis.
Ernesto Jude Rimando was a youth organizer and anti-dictatorship activist. He spent 17 years as a researcher for the Alyansa sa mga Mamumuo sa Sugbo in Cebu. For two decades, he has spent most of his life as a stalwart advocate for workers and peasant rights.
In 2020, Rimando sought treatment in Metro Manila for his illnesses. But before he could start his treatment, he was arrested on January 6, 2021 in Quezon City, by six armed men in civilian clothes who failed to present any warrant and refused to identify themselves. Rimando was blindfolded, tortured, and interrogated on the spot. The armed men planted firearms and a grenade in his bag and prepared a hastily revised arrest warrant in the name of “Allan Morales” prior to his inquest.
The court saw through the falsity of the charges on illegal possession of firearms and explosives. These charges were dismissed yet Rimando remains detained on other charges under the name of “Allan Morales.”
Rimando, who has been in and out of hospitals since his arrest, was diagnosed with advanced liver cancer that had spread to other organs, in addition to suffering from tuberculosis. Despite recommendations for treatment, his tuberculosis regimen had to be stopped due to adverse effects on his liver and kidneys.
The aggressive progression of his cancer has led doctors to provide a poor prognosis and suggest palliative care. In light of his grave condition, Rimando’s lawyer has filed a petition to release him on humanitarian grounds to spend his remaining time with his family, to receive palliative care at the Philippine General Hospital, with legal custodians ensuring his court appearances.
The case of Ernesto Jude Rimando highlights the relentless attacks on activists, dissenters, and individuals critical of the government. The denial of proper medical attention and the refusal of recognizance for a terminally ill individual is a clear indication of the state’s disregard for the well-being and dignity of all political prisoners.
KMU fully supports Ernesto Jude Rimando’s petition for release on just and humanitarian grounds. We demand for the immediate release of all political prisoners, especially those who are sick and in need of urgent medical care. The failure to address the plight of political prisoners reflects the government’s blatant disregard for human rights and the rule of law.
We call on the authorities to uphold the rights of all individuals, including political prisoners, and to ensure their access to proper medical treatment and humane conditions of detention. The continued detention of individuals on the basis of their political beliefs is a violation of their fundamental rights and a stain on the country’s democratic principles.