Family against her joining group

CEBU, Philippines — The bar passer, who was among the five individuals killed in an encounter last week between military and suspected New People’s Army in Bilar, Bohol, was cremated in Cebu City yesterday.

Hannah Cesista, alias Maya/Lean, was a law graduate in one of the universities in Cebu. Her name also appeared on the list of bar examination passers released by the Supreme Court in 2022.

In an interview with her father, Eutropio Cesista, he shared that losing Hannah, who was the youngest of two, was extremely painful for him and his family.

“Sana hindi mangyari sa inyo. Napakasakit. Walang kasing sakit,” said Eutropio, who was in Cebu to process his daughter’s cremation.

He added that they were in disbelief that such a thing would happen to his child.

He, however, disclosed that he does not hold anger and ill-feelings towards the government. On the other hand, he said he felt a bit of disappointment towards the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL), which he admitted his daughter was a member of.

“Ang medyo may hinanakit lang ako, kaunti lang doon sa sinalihan niya na pinipigilan ko na nagpupumilit siya, ‘yong NUPL,” he stated.

He further disclosed that he was aware that his daughter was a member of the NUPL, something that he initially did not agree to, but his daughter insisted. He said his daughter explained to him that the group was composed of lawyers.

He said he eventually agreed, but he reminded his daughter to be careful.

“Sana ito na ang huling biktima na mapatay kasi napakasakit. Walang kasing sakit ang nadarama tulad ng nadarama namin,” he said.

Hannah’s father also said that he was unaware of her whereabouts and activities other than the fact that she was a member of the NUPL.

He also extended his message and hopes to the NUPL, saying “Ang masasabi ko lang sana ang anak ko na ang huli, huling biktima.”

Hannah was killed last Feb. 23, 2024, along with other members of the communist rebel group in an encounter with the state forces as the latter served a search warrant against Domingo Jaspe Compoc, alias Silong, who was believed to be the leader of the Bohol Party Committee (BPC) and had a bounty of P2.6 million over his head.

He was also wanted for several cases, including rebellion, homicide, attempted homicide, multiple murder, frustrated murder, and robbery.

A police man, Police Corporal Gilbert Amper of the Bohol Provincial Police Office was killed in the clash, while Police Corporal Gerard Rollon was injured. –/ATO (FREEMAN)