By LUIS G. JALANDONI
Chairperson, NDFP Negotiating Panel
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) strongly condemns the arrest of NDFP Consultant Ruben A. Saluta on 4 March 2015 by combined Philippine Army and Philippine National Police forces of the Aquino regime. His arrest and continued detention are a gross violation of the GRP-NDFP Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG).
NDFP Consultant Ruben A. Saluta has been issued NDFP Document of Identification ND978240 under the assumed name Lirio Magtibay, which he presented to the arresting officers. The Aquino regime again shows its obstinate refusal to comply with its obligation to respect the reciprocal binding peace agreement JASIG signed in 1995 and approved by the Principals of both Parties.
The NDFP demands the release of NDFP Consultant Ruben A. Saluta and 15 other NDFP consultants. Their illegal arrest and detention in violation of the JASIG seriously prejudices the resumption of formal peace negotiations between the Aquino government and the NDFP.
Currently held at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Criminal Investigation and Detention Group (CIDG) detention in Camp Crame, Quezon City, NDFP Consultant Saluta needs urgent medical care for hypertension, allergic rhinitis and scoliosis. He also has cataract. He suffers from recurring pneumonia and needs to maintain his cholesterol level. All the more, that he should be released immediately and unconditionally.
