15 July 2021
Re: Compassionate Release of Ernesto Jude Cantero Rimando, Jr. and Antonio Molina, Political Prisoners terminally ill and suffering under detention
Dear friends,
Greetings of peace!
We are writing today to request the inclusion of prayers and intentions for the Compassionate Release of Ernesto Jude Cantero Rimando, Jr. and Antonio Molina—Political Prisoners terminally ill and suffering under detention— in your masses, services, and church/parish activities. We are kicking off this effort on July 18, 2021 and hope that you can join us through appropriate forms and sensible actions according to your church traditions and programs.
We look forward to raising the profile of Rimando and Molina through a prayer and action campaign, supporting local initiatives and developing ecumenical cooperation in the weeks ahead!
Who are Ernesto Jude Cantero Rimando and Antonio Molina?
Ernesto Jude Cantero Rimando, Jr., 55 years old, a peasant organizer of the National Federation of Sugar Workers, is diagnosed with Liver Cirrhosis, Chronic Hepatitis B, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Stasis Dermatitis R/O Peripheral Vascular Disease. On 6 January 2021, Rimando was arbitrarily arrested by elements of the Philippine National Police at Sapphire St., Brgy. Payatas B, Quezon City. He is currently detained at Metro Manila District Jail Annex 2, Lower Bicutan, Taguig, Metro Manila.
Antonio Molina, a 66-year-old political prisoner in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan has long suffered from diabetes, hypertension, a prostate problem and a slipped disc. In March 2021, a biopsy of an abdominal wall mass revealed that he has a sarcoma, a malignant tumor, a type of cancer that arises from transformed cells of mesenchymal (connective tissue) origin. In October 2019, Antonio Molina was illegally arrested, along with six (6) other human rights defenders when they were documenting human rights violations among heavily militarized peasant communities in Palawan. Molina is a member of Katipunan ng Samahang Magbubukid sa Timog Katagalugan (KASAMA-TK), a staunch advocate of farmers’ rights for genuine agrarian reform. He was falsely charged with murder and illegal possession of firearms and explosives.
Why the call for compassionate release?
Terminal illness requires special care and treatment. This is a major concern for political prisoners, who may be unable to access quality healthcare in prison, especially as compared with that available in an outside, institutional setting. These illnesses will require constant medical attention that neither the detention facility nor the government can thoroughly and continuously provide.
We have provided a Responsive Intercessory Prayer for consideration in your liturgy for this Sunday. Let us know, if there are other materials or information that you would need. Please share with us your participation. We, in turn, will make sure that Ernesto and Antonio know of your prayers and concern. You may also post your efforts on Facebook and tag the Promotion of Church People’s Response (@church.pcpr).
Thank you for considering this important advocacy and pastoral ministry with political prisoners. As of June 30, 2021, there are 713 political prisoners throughout the country. Under the Duterte administration, this number continues to rise through dubious search warrants and fabricated charges. Please pray for each woman and man, detained for political reasons; most are unable to receive visitors because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Let us especially pray for Ernesto and Antonio as their situations are both urgent and dire. Still, every political prisoner is in need of our compassion, advocacy and call for for their freedom!
Compassionate Release of Ernesto Jude Cantero Rimando, Jr. and Antonio Molina! Free All Political Prisoners!
In service to God and Filipino people,
