The Philippine Online Chronicles

After eight days of fasting, the 43 health workers (also known as Morong 43) have temporarily lifted their hunger strike because of President Benigno Aquino’s order to withdraw the charges against them.

The order was announced while the group was being interviewed by media practitioners in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan secretary general Renato Reyes Jr., who was also with the visiting group, narrated how the female health workers immediately huddled in front of the television to watch the announcement.

"They consider this as the best Christmas gift ever. This boosted their morale,” he said.

Jane Balleta, one of the detained health workers, told visitors of their renewed hope and energy. She said the other detainees in the female dorm were also happy for them. They have even started musing on what things to leave, like clothes and food supplies, for the other detainees. According to them, several political and even “non-political” detainees had participated in their hunger strike.

However, they are also aware that their fight for justice is not yet over until they are physically released from detention. They even joked that it was a pity that they would not be able to see the new building which was being constructed for the female detainees. Some, however, said they would rather not see it anymore.

During conversation with the visitors, one of the detainees excused herself to rest. Since December 3, a majority of them had been taking only water with salt and sugar to keep them hydrated and energized.

It was late afternoon when they decided to lift the hunger strike.

When asked what food they wanted to eat, they asked for soup – the instant, powdered kind. Conscious of their state of health, they can only take liquid food for now. Meanwhile, the male detainees asked for biscuits, which they would eat later on.

With some nourishment in their bodies, the detainees are able to look forward to the weekend, which they consider family visiting days. And with the hopeful update on their case, more visitors are to be expected.