Hustisya, an organization of families and friends of victims of human rights violations, condemned the arbitrary arrest and detention of activist Myrna Cruz-Abraham, and joined her family in calling for her immediate release.
“Myrna Cruz-Abraham should not be in jail, not just because of her age, but we strongly believe that the charges against her are false and baseless, and filed only with the harshest motives of putting her in jail again,” said Hustisya secretary general Ofelia Balleta.
Cruz-Abraham, 69, was arrested on January 27, 2025 in San Rafael, Bulacan by persons who claimed to be elements of the Philippine National Police. She has since been transferred to Camp Karingal in Quezon City, and faces murder and frustrated murder charges. Reports that have been released claimed that the arrest was a joint effort by the PNP and intelligence operatives of the Philippine Army.
This is Cruz-Abraham’s second arrest. The first was in March 2010, on fabricated charges of murder and violations of the election-related gun ban. She was released in December 2010 when charges against her were dismissed for lack of evidence but she had to endure nine months of unjust detention.
“The police and military should be ashamed in taking pride in the arrest of an elderly woman who has never committed a crime,” stressed Balleta. “Those who masterminded and carried out Cruz-Abraham’s arrest are like snakes preying on the vulnerable. They must be held accountable and punished.”
In a statement, Cruz-Abraham’s family strongly condemned the arrest of their matriarch, describing her as a ‘forward-thinking, fearless, and patriotic mother.’
“As a mother, she did everything she could to nurture us. She was incredibly supportive of our achievements in life. Despite her active involvement in fighting alongside the masses, she never neglected to raise us as kind, responsible and rights-respecting individuals. She always made time for her grandchildren, supporting them in their needs. She ensured their every step was guided, explaining clearly what our society is and why it is this way.
Cruz-Abraham’s family added: “The State has failed us. The very institution that promised to serve the people is once again oppressing our family. After fifteen years, our mother is once again arrested on charges she never committed. The dismissal of previous trumped-up charges against her is proof that the concocted stories and lies against her are baseless and malicious.
“Our family asserts that our mother is innocent of the accusations against her. What they have done is a cowardly act to further oppress those who bravely stand for human rights. With a strong voice, we demand to free our mother! Free Myrna Cruz-Abraham!” #