Gerardo dela Peña, the oldest political prisoner in the Philippines, was released at the age of 85 after spending over a decade behind bars, marking a significant milestone for colleagues, friends, and human rights advocates. His release serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by other detainees awaiting their day in court.
Affectionately known as “Tatay Gerry” to his loved ones, Dela Peña walked free from New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City at 9:30 p.m., carrying a small bag of belongings. He was welcomed by his son Melchor and Fides Lim, the spokesperson for Kapatid, a support group for political prisoners that spearheaded the movement for his release.
Lim expressed her delight at Tatay Gerry’s return to his family and hailed his release as a triumph for human rights campaigns. She also underscored the obstacles hindering the release of political detainees and the need for sustained advocacy.
Dela Peña, a former leader of Samahan ng mga Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detensyon at Aresto (Selda) in Camarines Norte province, was arrested in March 2013 for the alleged shooting and killing of his nephew, Melchor, in April 2001. Despite asserting his innocence, he was found guilty in February 2014 and sentenced to 20 to 40 years in prison.
The controversy surrounding Dela Peña’s case involved claims that he and his brother were members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA). However, the NPA later claimed responsibility for Melchor’s killing, leading Dela Peña to declare that he was wrongly convicted as a “scapegoat.”
Despite challenges, years of lobbying by human rights groups resulted in a recommendation by the Board of Pardons and Parole in March 2024 to commute his sentence to 12 years. This decision highlighted the systemic challenges and bureaucratic delays that hindered Tatay Gerry’s path to freedom.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla played a key role in facilitating Dela Peña’s release, with support from the Commission on Human Rights and various advocacy groups. The collective effort to secure his freedom demonstrated the power of perseverance, vigilance, and community in overcoming challenges.
As Dela Peña walked free, the plight of hundreds of political prisoners in the Philippines remained a pressing concern. According to the rights group Karapatan, approximately 800 political prisoners are languishing in jails or prisons nationwide, many of whom are activists or ordinary citizens.
The release of Gerardo dela Peña serves as a poignant reminder of the crucial importance of upholding human rights and seeking justice for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of collective efforts and the unwavering commitment to the pursuit of justice.
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