NUPL mourns death of 2 lawyers, including one killed in Bohol clash

NUPL chairperson Edre Olalia. (INQUIRER file photo)

MANILA, Philippines — National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers is mourning the passing of two lawyers – Emilio Paña and Hannah Cesista.

In a statement on Sunday, NUPL chairperson Edre Olalia said Paña died of natural causes.

On the other hand, Cesista was among the suspected members of communist rebels killed in an armed encounter in the village of Campagao, Bilar, Bohol.

The information is based on previous reports.

“We just lost two gallant fighters with their boots on under different circumstances,” Olalia said.

“Let us carry on their legacies and make their lives and sacrifices as driving forces to serve the people in the best way we know how. Hannah Cesista and Emilio Paña, presente!” he added.

On February 23, police and military reported Cesista, a lawyer from Cebu, and four others were killed during a firefight in the area.

The website of Supreme Court showed she passed the bar examinations and became a lawyer in 2022.