Detained women health workers cited ahead of Women's Day

Quezon City (March 6, 2010) -- Women health workers arrested and detained on allegations that they are rebels received citation a few days before the celebration of the International Women's Day.   

"26 of the health workers are women, sisters, wives and mothers - two are even pregnant. Their resolve to care not only for their families and their resilience amidst their plight exemplify the courage and character of women," said Beverly Longid, President of KATRIBU Partylist.
 
“For bringing health service to the poor and far-flung indigenous communities neglected by the government, for performing their medical duty to country and people at the risk of being arrested and tagged rebels, indigenous peoples honor and thank the detained women health workers with the “Katribu Kalasag Citation.”

Thus reads the citation a sectoral party of indigenous peoples granted  to the detained women community health workers.

“It is the least thing that we, indigenous beneficiaries of their selfless care and free health service, can do to thank them,” said KATRIBU Partylist President Beverly Longid.

According to Longid, who belongs the tribe Bontoc-Kankanaey of Mountain Province, the award is inspired by the “kalasag,” a wooden shield accentuated with carvings historically used by indigenous peoples to defend themselves from beasts and enemy attack.  

“Relatedly, the award symbolizes the collective resolve of human rights advocates to defend the rights of the women health workers from further abuse and attack perpetrated by their captors who are supposed to be the protector of the people,” Longid said.

The award, a replica of the “kalasag” and a certificate of recognition were granted to the families of the health workers .

“With the citation, we hope that it will also boost the morale of the victims and their families, reminding them that their sacrifices are appreciated by the people and inspire the struggle to defend human rights,” Longid said. # www.katribu.org

Reference:

Beverly Longid
President, KATRIBU Partylist