Morita Alegre back home, ‘now surrounded by loved ones’

Former political prisoner Morita Alegre is back home in Sagay City and reunited with her family, San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza announced Monday.

“God is good! Finally after 16 years inside the Correctional Institute for Women as a political prisoner, Nanay Morita Alegre, 75, is now reunited with her family,” the prelate said on Facebook.

Alminaza also announced that a house is being built for Morita near the beach, and is now “surrounded by her caring loved ones and friends.”

Alminaza said the former political prisoner told him she never stopped praying and held on to her faith in all her 16 years in prison.

Morita and late husband Jesus were active members of San Carlos Diocese’s basic ecclesial community called Gagmay’ng Kristohanong Katilingban.

Jesus died in prison last June 13, 2021 however.

Morita was freed last January 28 after completing her sentence for the murder of one Rogelio Tipon, bodyguard of local landlord and alleged land-grabber Avelino Gaspar.

The Alegres denied they killed Tipon, citing the victim’s widow has even refused to continue to prosecute the family in court.

Gaspar was accused by the Alegres of trying to grab their land.

Alegreses’ son Selman, co-accused in the murder, remains detained at the National Penitentiary in Muntinlupa City to this day however.

Morita’s supporters raised funds for her return to Sagay City.

“Nay Morita and her family are grateful to all who helped her gained back her freedom – both in government and among our faith-based ecumenical network,” Alminaza said.

Alminaza celebrated a Thanksgiving Mass for Morita’s return on Monday, February 14. # (Raymund B. Villanueva)