50th UP National Writers Workshop Panel and Fellows Support Calls to Release Ericson Acosta

STATEMENT OF SUPPORT FOR THE RELEASE FROM PRISON OF ERICSON ACOSTA

We, fellows and panelists of the 50^th UP National Writer’s Workshop are expressing our support for the call of immediate release from prison of Ericson Acosta who is currently in detention at the Calbayog Sub-Provincial Jail in Samar and is charged with illegal possession of explosives allegedly for being a member of the New People’s Army.

As writers and artists some of us have worked directly and in collaboration with Ericson Acosta who is also a writer, poet, thespian, singer and songwriter.

We believe that no one should be imprisoned because of his political beliefs.

Ericson Acosta should be granted freedom unconditionally so he can continue his work as an artist and rejoin the society.

Signed, April 13, 2011, Camp John Hay, Baguio City

Bienvenido Lumbera

National Artist for Literature

Jose Dalisay, Jr.

U.P. Institute of Creative Writing Director

Jun Cruz Reyes

50^TH UPNWW Director

Jennifer Rebecca Ortuoste

Ronald Baytan

Clarissa Militante

Allan Pastrana

Nerissa Del Carmen Guevara

Yvette Tan

John Torres

German Gervacio

Genevieve Asenjo

Axel Pinpin

Khavn dela Cruz

John Iremil Teodoro

Gemino Abad

Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo

Neil Garcia

Charlson Ong

Conchitina Cruz

Rolando Tolentino

Romulo Baquiran Jr.

Butch Guerero

Jedi Directo

Piya Constantino

Image file of Support Statement signed by 50th UPNWW Panel and Fellows