EPCC NEWS
January 12, 2010

NDFP DEMANDS THE RLEASE OF TIRSO ALCANTARA

Los Angeles--The EPCC NEWS based in Los Angeles today reported that In a letter to GRP Panel Chairperson Alexander Padilla dated 5 January 2011, Luis Jalandoni, NDFP Panel Chairperson, demanded the release of Tirso “Ka Bart” Alcantara in accordance with the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG).

According to the EPCC NEWS , Jalandoni confirmed the declaration of the Communist Party of the Philippines that Ka Bart is one of the Philippine-based consultants of the NDFP in the peace negotiations with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP).

“In view of the forthcoming preliminary peace talks and the scheduled resumption of formal talks,” Jalandoni wrote, “the NDFP Negotiating Panel urges you to pay special attention to the just demand of the NDFP Negotiating Panel and urge your Principal in the GRP to ensure the release of Mr. Tirso Alcantara as soon as possible.”

Jalandoni, citing media reports about Alcantara’s being wounded during his arrest, further stated, “Pending his release, while in custody, he should be allowed to be treated by doctors of his choice and be visited by his family and his lawyers.”

Finally, in his letter, copy furnished to Ambassador Ture Lundh of the Royal Norwegian Foreign Ministry, Jalandoni referred to the "urgency in making sure that the release of other illegally detained NDFP Consultants and those who are JASIG-protected be carried out in compliance with the JASIG.

Reference:
Ruth de Leon
Executive Director
NDFP International Information Office
Utrecht, The Netherlands
email: ndf@casema.nl
tel: +31-30-2310431