1.
GV EXTERIOR Camp Crame entrance handcuffed prisoners walking away
0.06

2.
SV Prison guard with riffle
0.10

3.
GV INTERIOR Lame detainee being carried by another
0.16

4.
SVs Prisoners behind bars, one near sign and handcuffed hands (3 shots)
0.26

5.
GV Prisoners being put into military buses (2 shots)
0.34

6.
SV INTERIOR Bus soldier checking prisoners
0.38

7.
GV Buses leaving camp with military escort (2 shots)
1.00

8.
GV THROUGH WINDSCREEN Main entrance of Bilibid National Penitentiary
1.09

9.
GV Bus being backed into penitentiary
1.12

10.
SVs Prisoners and their belongings being searched
1.20

11.
SV PAN Prisoners crouching on floor
1.26

12.
SV Deputy Defence Minister Carmelo Barbero speaking in English PAN TO prisoners about to be released
2.11


SPEECH ON FILM (TRANSCRIPT)



SEQ. 12: BARBERO: "The President of the Philippines, Mr. Marcos, upon the recommendation of the (indistinct) approved your temporary release on January 16, because the President feels that you should all be given the chance to start a new life, and become useful citizens of this society. However, you must present yourselves to the proper courts when you are sent for trial, and do not misbehave."





Initials BB





Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: INTRODUCTION: Martial Law in the Philippines has ended after eight years. President Ferdinand Marcos ordered the release of 341 prisoners on Saturday (17 January). More than 1,600 other prisoners were transferred from military to civilian prisons on Sunday (18 January). Mr. Marcos promised a month ago that the military tribunals would be disbanded. He said that in future criminal suspects would be tried in civilian courts. The 63-year-old president has ruled for 15 years. He announced the end of martial law during ceremonies marking the seventh anniversary of his 1973 constitution.

SYNOPSIS: A batch of 125 detainees from the military Camp Crame were moved with their belongings to the Bilibid civil prisons in Muntinlupa in Greater Manila. Justice Minister Ricardo Puno said detainees facing subversion and other security charges will not be grouped with other Muntinlupa inmates. The decision to transfer prisoners was reached after a meeting between Mr. Puno, Deputy Defence Minister Carmelo Barbero and the director of prisons Brigadier Vicente Raval. President Macros said the 341 political prisoners were released for reasons of compassion and national reconciliation.

In a ceremony on Saturday President Marcos signed an order saving that all the decrees an orders he has made under martial law will remain in force. He retains wide powers. A leading opposition figure said the President had lifted martial law in name only but not in fact. Former President Diosdado Macapagal said Mr. Marcos would manipulate elections to keep in power. Meanwhile, Mr. Marcos denied that his lifting of martial law was prompted by the United States. And he was said to be encouraged by the reported assurance that President Ronald Reagan would treat the Philippines as a major ally. In Bagong Diwa military camp, Deputy Defence Minister Barbero told detainees of the President's decision to release them.