Indignation runs in Quezon City, Iriga to mark De Lima's 1000th day in detention

On the 1000th day of Senator Leila M. de Lima's unjust detention, the Human Rights and People Empowerment Center (HRPEC), the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman University Student Council (UPD USC) and Tindig Pilipinas will hold an indignation run to protest her continued political persecution.

Dubbed "#1KNotOK Indignation Run," the run will be attended by De Lima's former and present colleagues, supporters, and friends who are also expected to attend the celebration of the Holy Mass as part of the event to be held in Quezon City on Nov. 20.

"We spearheaded this indignation run because we believe that Sen. Leila has been politically persecuted and unjustly incarcerated due to her vehement opposition to the human rights violations triggered by Duterte's war on drugs," said the organizers.

According to them, the Indignation Run starts at around 7 AM, beginning at the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) grounds, leading to the area beside the UP Chapel. A Holy Mass, to be held at the same chapel, follows at 9 AM.

Some supporters will hold a dawn prayer vigil reciting the Holy Rosary as they attempt to form a human chain in a show of solidarity with indignation protests against De Lima's continued unjust and illegal detention under the present administration.

On the same day, an indignation run is also slated in De Lima's hometown in Iriga City, Camarines Sur, to be led by her youngest brother Vicente "Vicboy" M. de Lima II, along with his group of runner-friends who count themselves as supporters of the former justice secretary.

De Lima's brother, a rated runner himself, said he and his friends aim to run a total of 45 KM on Nov. 20 to denounce her eldest sister's plight under the present administration.

The Senator's youngest brother confirmed that the run in Bicol would start and end at the De Lima ancestral house and would pass through three towns in Rinconada, or around Iriga. The event will also culminate with a celebration of the Holy Mass.

Prior to this, several groups of runners have expressed their solidarity with the Senator by wearing the #OneForLeila shirts and taking photos flashing the signature "D5" handsign in different running events.

It may be recalled that Sen. De Lima presented herself to arresting authorities at the Senate building over trumped-up drug charges in Feb. 24, 2017, even as she said it was an "honor to be jailed for what I'm fighting for."

Amid her ordeal, Sen. De Lima continued to gain support from the local and international communities who doubt the legitimacy of the cases against her and repeatedly called for her immediate release from illegal detention.