February 9, 2010
Ambassador Brilliantes
130 Albert Street, Suite 606
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
K1P 5G4
Dear Ambassador Brillantes,
We are writing to condemn the action of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police at 6:15am February 6th, 2010, when they forcibly detained medical doctors, nurses, and community health workers (CHWs) in Rizal, Philippines during their health skills training-seminar in the house of Dr. Melecia Velmonte.
Health workers who extend their volunteer services to under-served regions are essential to the health and well-being of regular Filipinos who live in these areas. Their service and advocacy work for the community is vital when virtually no other health infrastructure exists.