FREE PASTOR BERLIN GUERRERO, NOW!



Office of the General Assembly

Clifton Kirkpatrick, Stated Clerk

June 4, 2007

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

Malacalang Palace

Manila 1005, The Philippines



Dear Madam President:



On behalf of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), I write to express our alarm and dismay over the abduction of Pastor Berlin Guerrero of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines. Our understanding is that he was abducted by members of the Philippine National Police and the Naval Intelligence Security Forces and is still being held by Philippine authorities.



We are deeply concerned by reports of the tactics employed in Pastor Guerrero's abduction. We understand that he was taken by armed men who carried drawn weapons. No warrant of arrest was produced at the time of his abduction. Reports indicate that personal affects were taken from members of his family when he was abducted. We urge you to call for, and oversee, a full investigation of the circumstances surrounding the abduction of Pastor Guerrero. This investigation should include the activities of the police and of the military and security forces.



We have received reports that Pastor Guerrero has been beaten and tortured. in other ways while in custody. We urge you to call for, and oversee, a full investigation of the treatment he has received and is receiving while in custody. This investigation should include the activities of the police and of the military and security forces.



We understand that criminal allegations have been made against Pastor Guerrero. We ask that full disclosure be made of the charges on which he is being held. If the evidence for these charges is not forthcoming and compelling, then he should be released immediately.



We ask you to ensure that Pastor Berlin Guerrero and all the citizens of the Philippines are accorded the due process of the law and the respect for their rights to which the Philippine Constitution entitles them.



Cordially yours,



Clifton Kirkpatrick

Stated Clerk of the General Assembly

President, World Alliance of Reformed Churches

cc: President George Bush

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice

Senator Barbara Boxer, Chair of the Senate Sub-Committee on EastAsian and Pacific Affairs

Ambassador Kirstie A. Kenney, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines



His Excellency Willy C. Gaa, Philippine Ambassador to the U.S.A.



Dr. Sam Kobia, General Secretary, World Council of Churches



Dr. Prawate Khid-arn, General Secretary, Christian Conference of Asia



Ms. Sharon Rose Joy Ruiz-Durendes, General Secretary, National Council of Churches in the Philippines



Bishop Eliezer Pascua, General Secretary, United Church of Christ in the Philippines