DAVAO CITY – A women’s partylist group demanded the release of women’s rights activist, Sharon Cabusao, whom they said was “illegally arrested”.
Gabriela Women’s Party Representative Luzviminda Ilagan said that the cases lodged against Cabusao are “fabricated”.
A press release of the group said the “Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) have accused Cabusao of harbouring a criminal after her incidental arrest alongside her husband Adelberto Silva.”
“Arresting elements later also implicated her in trumped up charges of illegal possession of explosives filed against Silva,” said the group.
Cabusao, said the group, is a former officer of Gabriela, a grassroots organization of women which formed the Gabriela Women’s Party.
The group said Adelberto Silva is a consultant to the underground revolutionary movement National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).
Cabusao, Silva, and driver Isidro de Lima were arrested last June 2 in Bacoor, Cavite.
Ilagan, who visited Cabusao in detention Thursday, said she is “is suffering from thyroid and blood-related diseases.
“Her condition requires regular medical check-ups and she is currently undergoing alternative medical treatment. The cramped and humid cell where she is jailed and forced to stay will only make her condition worse,” said Ilagan.
Ilagan said Cabusao “should be released not just for humanitarian reasons but for the simple fact that the cases lodged against her are fabricated.”
“We will hold the PNP responsible for whatever consequences that her detention might have on her health and well-being,” said Ilagan.
