De Lima writes to loved ones: Let’s all be strong

MANILA, Philippines — Detained Sen. Leila De Lima on Thursday penned a letter addressed to her loved ones.

In her handwritten letter dated March 1, 2017, De Lima told her loved ones to be strong amid the challenges she is facing while in detention.

De Lima said that although she is physically prepared for her detainment, her whole being yearns for truth and justice. She did not just refer to injustice on her part but also to other victims of prejudice.

“My heart also bleeds for all other victims of injustice those who were falsely accused and now cramped in severely congested jails. But God who is all knowing and infinitely good and just will make sure that evil will not triumph,” she wrote.

In a separate statement, De Lima, who is currently detained at the Philippine National Police’s Custodial Center for six days now, said her supporters should keep the faith and uphold the truth.

De Lima reiterated her concerns on her security despite President Rodrigo Duterte’s earlier assurance that she is “100 percent” safe at the Camp Crame. She said she can never trust the president as he described him as a “murderer” and “capable of having her killed.”

"Each day I am here my life is at risk," she said in a released statement.

"Anything can happen to me while in detention. While I have no complaints about my custodians—they are very professional and courteous—I feel completely defenseless here. Each day I am detained is a day of injustice. What is being done to me is extraordinary," De Lima added.

The senator is known as among Duterte’s top critics against his alleged human rights violations.

In her letter, De Lima then prayed for more strength and fortitude. “Let’s all be strong. Love you all,” she told her loved ones.

De Lima was accused by the Department of Justice of violating Section 5 (sale) in relation to Section 3 (jj trading), Section 26 (b) and Section 28 or the criminal liability of government officials and employees under the Republic Act 9165 also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 for allegedly allowing the proliferation of the drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison during her stint as Justice secretary. She presented herself before the authorities last Friday.