‘Hanjin 4’ released; workers re-establish picketline

Detained workers involved in the Hanjin Garments workers’ strike were released and joined their co-workers yesterday, February 7, at 4:45PM in the Cabuyao municipal hall.

Hanjin workers posted bail for the release of Christopher Capistrano, Erica Lee Balane, Edison Alpiedam, and Sensuous Lingerie worker Gerald Daria.

The Hanjin 4 were inquested at the Biñan Regional Trial Court in the morning. The plaintiff, four policemen, charged them of direct assault resulting to multiple serious physical injuries.

“Our lawyer argued in court for the formality of the process. It was a speedy inquest that the judge immediately handed the verdict and didn’t even read to us the police’s accusations,” complained Capistrano, vice-president of independent union Aniban ng Manggagawang Inaapi sa Hanjin Garments (AMIHAN).

“It’s mere common sense. The court should have looked into the medical reports and checked the complainants for their so-called serious physical injuries. Where are their bruises to show and compare it with the ones we got from them? Even a 5-year old kid can distinguish who is injured among us. It’s no wonder why we were taken to Biñan RTC,” continued Capistrano.

Attempt to whitewash

Capistrano recounted foul play in the making on the night of February 7.

“Gerald and I were in handcuffs when we reached Biñan RTC. Of course, the court was closed at that time. Immediately after boarding off the patrol car, the police guarding me armed with M16 ordered me to run.”

“I did not do what I was ordered. I am no criminal to run and be shot at in the back.”

Capistrano and Daria were brought to another police detachment in Biñan.

“Fear was there all throughout. We don’t know where they will take us and what they will do to us. We passed by some dark and unknown places that I could only close my eyes and think of my family and comrades. We fear for the worse,” said Capistrano.

Reestablishing the picketline

Cheering workers and supporters welcomed the Hanjin 4 as soon as they were released.

From Cabuyao municipal hall, the workers marched to the gates of Gatchalian Industrial Subdivision and reestablished their picketline at about 5:45PM.

During the negotiations in the office of Cabuyao vice-mayor Benjamin del Rosario on the night of February 7, Cabuyao police chief Chito Bersaluna and LIPPAG chief Marvin Saro agreed to allow the workers to establish their picketline.

Asked for their plans after their release, the four workers vowed to continue with the struggle.

Capistrano replied, “Back here, it’s a crying moment to see how the community welcomed us with presence and warmth. What is important now is that I was able to get back to my comrades and continue what we started. After all we have undergone, we have all the reason, experiences, and inspiration to continue the legitimacy of our cause.”