The release of Gerardo Dela Peña, the oldest political prisoner in the Philippines, was confirmed on Sunday by the prisoner rights group Kapatid. At the age of 85, Dela Peña was freed from the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City on June 30, marking a momentous occasion for human rights advocates in the country.
Fides Lim, spokesperson for Kapatid, expressed joy over Dela Peña’s release, stating, “We are very pleased that Tatay Gerry can finally return home to his family and reunite with his wife Pilar in their twilight years. His release is a milestone for human rights campaigns, but also serves as a reminder of the obstacles that hinder the release of political prisoners.”
Lim cited the challenges Dela Peña faced in obtaining his freedom, noting the arduous journey due to systemic hurdles and bureaucratic delays. Lim criticized the Board of Pardons and Parole (BPP) for the slow implementation of their own resolution allowing executive clemency for prisoners aged 70 and above who have served at least ten years of their sentence.
Dela Peña was arrested at the age of 75 in 2013 and convicted of murder, a crime he vehemently denied. Despite the admission of responsibility by the New People’s Army, Dela Peña was still sentenced to 12 years in prison. The Bureau of Pardons and Parole recommended the commutation of Dela Peña’s sentence to 12 years, in addition to the good conduct time allowance he had earned.
It was emphasized that Dela Peña had already served 12 years and two months as of June 12, surpassing the commuted sentence and accruing good conduct time allowance. Lim fervently stated, “Every additional minute behind bars is a gross injustice for an innocent man.”
Thanks were extended to Justice Secretary Boying Remulla for facilitating Dela Peña’s release, as well as to the Commission on Human Rights and the global community for their unwavering support. The power of perseverance, vigilance, and collective effort was underscored as instrumental in overcoming the challenges of advocating for Dela Peña’s release.
Throughout his imprisonment, human rights groups and the Commission on Human Rights had been championing for Dela Peña’s release due to his declining health, including deteriorating eyesight and hearing. Meanwhile, the Department of Justice has yet to provide a response to inquiries regarding Dela Peña’s release from Philstar.com.
Dela Peña’s release not only represents a triumph for his family and supporters but also signifies a significant step forward in the fight for human rights and justice. As he returns to the embrace of his loved ones, his story serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring struggle for freedom and the tireless pursuit of justice for all individuals, regardless of age or circumstance.
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