THE Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (Pahra) on Friday welcomed the release of women’s and children’s rights advocate Sally Ujano after the Court of Appeals (CA) acquitted her of rebellion charges.
“This is a victory for every advocate who refused to stay silent. It proves that while the wheels of justice may grind slowly, they can still crush the walls of impunity when we stand together. Nanay Sally’s freedom is a win for the movement, but it is also a reminder that many others remain behind bars due to trumped-up charges,” Pahra Secretary-General Edgar Cabalitan said in a statement.
Pahra said it has been at the forefront of the campaign for her release, even elevating her case to international platforms and the United Nations.
“We welcomed Nanay Sally home not just as a survivor, but as a symbol of hope.... Her vindication fuels our resolve to continue the fight for all political prisoners who are still waiting for their day of justice,” Cabalitan said.
The human rights group said the victory should serve as a precedent for the dismissal of other cases against activists and community leaders.
“The alliance maintains that the ‘weaponization of the law’ must end to truly protect the democratic space in the country,” Pahra said.
Earlier Friday, a Facebook page calling for Ujano’s release first confirmed the news through a family statement.
“Today, goodness and love have triumphed because we can once again be with Mama, also known as Nanay Sally Ujano. The Court of Appeals has ruled in our favor in the resolution they issued, acquitting Nanay Sally of the accusations against her. This is wonderful news and a great victory for all of us — especially for the youth and women’s sector, particularly as we conclude Women’s Month,” Ujano’s children said in Filipino on Friday.
“We, as siblings along with our entire family, are grateful to everyone who stood with us so that we could overcome this struggle for the truth,” they added.
Ujano was detained at the Correctional Institute for Women in Mandaluyong City after she was originally convicted of rebellion by the Taguig Regional Trial Court Branch 266. The conviction was linked to an alleged ambush of two military personnel in Quezon province in 2005. She was arrested Nov. 14, 2021, and was released Thursday.
