PHL's longest-held political prisoner asks Obama to help set him free

Juanito Itaas, the longest-held political prisoner in the Philippines, has written US President Barack Obama to ask for intervention in his case in time for the American president's visit on Wednesday.

Itaas was found guilty of the murder of US Army Col. James Rowe of the Joint US Military Assistance Group in 1989, exactly 25 years ago. He has been at the New Bilibid Prison since.

Despite serving his sentence for more than two decades, some, including rights group Task Force Detainees of the Philippines, believe Itaas is being punished for a crime he did not commit. TFDP disseminated Itaas'letter to the media on Saturday.

In the letter, Itaas appealed for Obama's "urgent and personal intervention in the spirit of respect for the human dignity" in a petition that he has sent the government asking to be released.

A Humanitarian Appeal to Obama by GMA News Online



"As an advocate of peace and reconciliation among nations, Mr. President, I implore your Christian sense of mercy and compassion as you certainly believe in second chances. Your considerate action to my plea is a key factor for the realization of my renewed life as a law-abiding citizen and as a God-fearing person," he said. — Kim Luces/JDS, GMA News