A group of militant medical workers Monday marched at the state-owned Philippine General Hospital (PGH) to urge the government to spare one of the 43 health workers accused of being a communist, who just gave birth two weeks ago, from once again being locked in a detention cell and be separated from her newborn baby.

Militant medical group Free the 43 Health Workers alliance (formerly called Health Alliance for Democracy) renewed their call to the Court of Appeals and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) amid plans to transfer Judilyn Oliveros, one of the members of the so-called Morong 43, back to Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig Tuesday.

Oliveros, one of the 43 health workers arrested by government security forces in a farm house in Morong town in Rizal province last February 6 on allegations that they are communist rebels conducting explosives training, gave birth by cesarean procedure to a baby boy at PGH last July 22.

Another member of the so-called Morong 43, identified as Mercy Castro, is also expected to give birth this year.

According to Free the 43 Health Workers Alliance spokesperson Dr. Julie Caguiat, Oliveros should be released on recognizance of her full recovery and to provide time for her and child.

“(The) right of detained mother to be with her baby is recognized by law. Enforcing separation between her and her child is unjust and morally unacceptable,” Caguiat told reporters outside the PGH.

“These are reproductive rights of all women including Oliveros. These must be upheld by all parties especially the government. Judilyn Oliveros and her child should not be separated,” she added.

Some 30 health workers carried their placards asking to free Oliveros and trooped inside the state-owned hospital along Taft Avenue in Ermita Manila at 10:00 a.m., Monday.

Oliveros' continued detention will make her twice a victim of gross injustice, according to the militant group. “Based on these rights of women and children, there are clearly no reasons other than callous insensitivity and injustice why Oliveros cannot be released,” the group said.

On the other hand, relatives and friends of Morong 43 has commended Oliveros for standing strong in the face of injustice as she herself signified she will not keep her child away from her.

The group also sought the help of religious groups, who had earlier signified their willingness to help, to take Oliveros under their wings and give shelter to the young mother and her baby.