MANILA, Philippines — Peasant group Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas and rights alliance Karapatan are pressing for the humanitarian release of detained peasant leader Joseph Canlas after he tested positive for COVID-19. In a statement, KMP pointed out that Canlas was in stable physical condition before he was arrested on March 30. Canlas’ condition due to authorities’ neglectKMP, in particular, cited Jail Supt. They noted that he was transferred to BJMP Detention Center in Angeles City on April 14. “If jail authorities thoroughly checked Canlas’ health condition, they would have known that he has hypertension and diabetes which makes him more vulnerable to COVID infection.

Source: Philippine Star May 10, 2021 06:49 UTC