Journalist-filmmaker Arlyn Dela Cruz dies of colon cancer

Veteran journalist, writer, and filmmaker Arlyn Dela Cruz succumbed to colon cancer earlier today, December 20. She was 51.

In a Facebook post, her daughters confirmed Dela Cruz' death.

"Earlier today, our mother passed away after six years of battling colon cancer," her daughters announced.

"During those years, she has produced, written and directed several films, had two art exhibits and continued her relentless pursuit for the truth,” they added.

Dela Cruz was the news director for Radyo Inquirer. She was also a reporter for Net 25 cable news organization.

Among the highlights of her journalism career was her highly publicized abduction. In 2002, Dela Cruz was held captive by rebel groups for over three months and was kept in a jungle.

In January of 2002, Dela Cruz jetted off to Jolo, Sulu to interview members of Abu Sayyaf guerilla group. Gunmen then abducted her and beheaded her two guides travelling with her.

Former senator Loren Legarda, a former colleague in the media practice, personally negotiated for her release.

Besides her stellar career in journalism, she was able to make films that had compelling social relevance including Maratabat in 2014, Tibak in 2016, Bubog in 2017, Pusit in 2017 , Imaculada, A Mother's Love in 2019 and ECQ Diary in 2020.

Heartfelt condolences from friends in and out of the media industry poured out for the family.