DAVAO CITY – Partylist lawmaker Rep. Emmi De Jesus has called on government to release a former staff of the militant women’s group, GABRIELA, who was arrested on Tuesday with her husband who is a consultant for the National Democratic Front.
Sharon Cabusao and husband Adelberto Silva were arrested together with driver Isidro de Lima in Bacoor, Cavite.
“We strongly condemn the illegal arrest and detention of [Cabusao], former Gabriela officer and women’s rights advocate, and we call for her immediate and unconditional release,” said De Jesus.
De Jesus said Cabusao was arrested without any warrant “and the case filed against her holds no merit.”
The Philippine National Police and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) have accused Cabusao of “harbouring a criminal” after her incidental arrest alongside her husband, Silva. Arresting elements later also implicated her in trumped up charges of illegal possession of explosives filed against Silva.
De Jesus said she knows Cabusao personally. “I know for a fact that she does not and cannot take part in any activity involving explosives or grenades. I visited her in detention and she attests, ‘hindi nga ako marunong humawak ng kwitis, granada pa!’,” De Jesus said.
Cabusao was a former public information officer and international officer of the GABRIELA Alliance where De Jesus was former secretary general.
De Jesus further said that Cabusao is currently on medication for thyroid ailments and blood-related diseases. “Her current situation could worsen her medical condition. We appeal for her immediate and unconditional release,” she said.
