Philippines oldest political prisoner freed from Bilibid

MANILA, Philippines — After several appeals from human rights groups, the government finally released the country’s oldest political prisoner from the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa over the weekend.

Gerardo dela Peña, 85, was freed at around 9:30 p.m., Kapatid spokesperson Fides Lim said in a statement.

From the NBP’s external relations holding area, Dela Peña was welcomed by his son, Melcor, and members of Kapatid who pushed for his release due to his age and deteriorating health.

“We are happy that Tatay Gerry can finally return home to his family and reunite with his wife Pilar in their twilight years,” Lim said.

Lim thanked Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla for facilitating Dela Peña’s release, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and non-government organizations, which contributed to their cause.

Dela Peña regained his freedom after the Bureau of Corrections issued a certificate of discharge from prison on Saturday.

Dela Peña, who headed the Samahan ng Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detensyon at Aresto’s Camarines Norte chapter, was arrested on murder charges on March 21, 2013.