CHR calls for release of PH’s ‘oldest political prisoner’

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Friday called on the government to release the country’s “oldest political prisoner,” 85-year-old Gerardo Dela Peña.

The CHR said Dela Peña's health is already declining as his eyesight and hearing are already impaired after spending 12 years in detention.

“The Commission calls for the immediate release of Dela Peña. As a State signatory to the Basic Principles on the Use of Restorative Justice Programmes in Criminal Matters, the Philippine government should put primacy to efforts which ensure a humane correctional system in the country,” the CHR said in a statement. 

“This discussion also includes the need to take into consideration the elderly and sickly PDLs who are imprisoned in congested spaces, where their conditions may worsen.” 

Dela Peña was arrested in Vinzons, Camarines Norte on March 21, 2013 and was convicted at age 74. 

During his birthday last April 23, members of Kapatid went to the Malacanang to appeal for his immediate release after serving his sentence for more than a decade. 

The Board of Pardons and Parole’s Resolution No. OT-08-02-2023 provides that detainees who are at least 70 years old and have served at least 10 years of their sentences must be released. The resolution also takes into consideration those who suffer from terminal illness or serious disability.

The CHR also cited that the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, or the Mandela Rules states that prisoners shall be protected from any cruel or degrading treatment. 

“The CHR remains firm in its stance that putting PDLs in situations which further aggravate their condition, especially those which directly affect their well-being, is a form of cruel and inhumane treatment,” the human rights agency added. 

“We take this opportunity to call for the release of PDLs who have demonstrated good behavior and have met the legal standards for executive clemency as this would greatly help towards the government’s ongoing jail decongestion efforts.” 

Further, the CHR urged the Congress to pass the bill establishing a  National Preventive Mechanism as it will “allow the Philippine government to reflect its commitment towards ensuring the welfare of PDLs across the country through well-grounded policies.” 

GMA News Online sought for the Department of Justice’s comment but it has yet to reply as of posting time. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/ VAL, GMA Integrated News