Filipino political prisoners fast for freedom On July 23, 2011

Hundreds of political prisoners in the Philippines have launched a nationwide hunger strike in an attempt to persuade the President to assure their unconditional release.

About 350 political prisoners have taken the action to remind the Philippine government of its promise to free political prisoners, simultaneously to separate peace negotiations with the communist and muslim rebels.

The political prisoners are mostly associated with the Communist Party of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

The prisoners say they will fast until Monday when President Benigno Aquino gives his State of the Nation Address on his first year in office.