In this global pandemic, it is humane and just to release all elderly, sick, pregnant women and political prisoners.

We urge the Philippine government to heed the call of United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet: “Governments should release every person detained without sufficient legal basis, including political prisoners and others detained simply for expressing critical or dissenting views.”

Around 609 political prisoners are detained in the Philippines-- cramped up in congested prisons, faced with trumped-up charges.

47 of them are of the elderly.

63 are with pre-existing medical conditions and suffering from life-threatening illnesses.

While they pose no threat to society, the government refuses to release leaving them vulnerable in these high-risk environments.  

Their families have only one call to the Philippine government: Send them home.