The immediate release of “unjustly-detained” women and all other political prisoners was pushed by women-led organizations on Thursday, March 16. To air their message of solidarity, the organizations — some of which are Gabriela, Defend Peasant Women, and Citizens Rights Watch Network — held a prayer action early Thursday morning. Following this, the groups marched to the Department of Justice's (DOJ) office and formally submitted an appeal. Addressed to DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, the appeal detailed the role of the state in protecting and upholding the rights of women. “[The] Magna Carta for Women recognizes the rights of women to public participation and in decision-making processes that affect our lives and well-being. We bring to your attention the cases where our laws are used, abused, and weaponized against women, including women rights defenders,” the appeal read. Apart from delivering justice for the unjustly-detained, the organizations reiterated that by heeding this call, the government will be able to “decongest the inhumanely cramped” Philippine jails. In a separate statement, Gabriela Deputy Secretary General Cora Agovida also urged the administration to ensure the protection of human rights in the country. “This women’s month, we reiterate our urgent demand for the release of our sisters and all political prisoners. No one should be jailed for exercising their rights to contribute to the toiling masses’ fight for democratic rights, which include livable wages, decent jobs, and civil liberties,” said Agovida. Data gathered by rights group Karapatan showed that there are 819 political prisoners in the country. Of this number, 162 are women.