Philippines’ oldest political prisoner released

MANILA, Philippines — The country’s oldest political prisoner has been released from detention on Sunday, prisoner rights group Kapatid said.

In a press release on Monday, the group said that Gerardo Dela Peña, 85, was released from the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City on the evening of June 30.

"We are very happy 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 stark reminder of the obstacles that impede the release of political prisoners," Fides Lim, Kapatid spokesperson said in a statement.

"Tatay Gerry's journey to freedom was very difficult because of systemic challenges and bureaucratic delays. It's concerning why the Board of Pardons and Parole (BPP) could not immediately implement its own Board Resolution No. OT-08-02-2023 allowing executive clemency for prisoners who have reached 70 years old and served ten years of their sentence," he added.

Dela Peña was arrested on March 21, 2013 at the age of 75 in Vinzons, Camarines Norte. He was convicted of murder after he allegedly killed his nephew which he denied.

The New People’s Army admitted to the killing. However, Dela Peña was still convicted and was sentenced to face 12-year imprisonment.

According to Kapatid, the Bureau of Pardons and Parole recommended on March 8 that Dela Peña's sentence be commuted to 12 years, in addition to the good conduct time allowance he has earned.

"The fact is, Tatay Gerry had already overserved his commuted sentence, serving exactly 12 years and two months as of June 12, aside from the good conduct time allowance (GCTA) he accrued. Every additional minute behind bars is a gross injustice for an innocent man," Lim said.

"The release of political prisoner Gerardo Dela Peña is a testament to the power of perseverance, vigilance and community in overcoming challenges. We extend our heartfelt thanks in particular to Justice Secretary Boying Remulla for facilitating his release, the Commission on Human Rights for its unwavering support, and everyone here and abroad who helped in this collective effort," he said.

During Dela Peña’s imprisonment, the Commission on Human Rights and other human rights groups advocated for his release due to his declining health with his losing eyesight and deteriorating hearing. 

Meanwhile, the Department of Justice has yet to respond to Philstar.com's request for a comment on Dela Peña’s release.