Broadcast journalist Abner Mercado will once again campaign for the freedom of the elderly and ailing inmates in different correctional institutions this Thursday (Jan 26) on “Krusada” following the recent deaths of some of these convicts.
In 2008 and 2011, Abner told of the stories of the elderly and seriously sick inmates whose only wish was to be granted executive clemency so they could spend their dying days with their loved ones.
This advocacy is close to Abner’s heart. He shares, “I empathize with those who have been doomed to spend the rest of their days behind bars in a decrepit condition, and whose only way out is death.”
Abner met Esmarie “Cheng” Salazar in June 2011. Cheng was a 52-year old inmate at the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong who was suffering from stage four of breast cancer. She applied for a pardon, but didn’t live to see her request granted.
Cheng’s story is similar to that of Querubin Libo-on, a convict at the New Bilibid Prison. With his request for clemency not granted, Querubin died of throat cancer inside the prison.
Did President Benigno Aquino III free any ailing inmate last Christmas? Will terminally ill convicts ever be given executive clemency in order for them to spend their last days with their families?
Listen, take part, and be one with Abner’s crusade because it takes more than words to make a stand. Watch “Krusada” this Thursday (Jan 26) after “Bandila” on ABS-CBN, or earlier on DZMM TeleRadyo (SkyCable Channel 26), 9:15 PM.
