On 18 September 2021, my mother, Alice was diagnosed with heart failure. Alice needs immediate hospitalization and long-term care. Right now, Alice is at home fighting for her life.

Alice has been fighting so many battles in her lifetime and the biggest one was pursuing the case against President Ferdinand Marcos for the crimes committed during Martial Law in the Philippines. Her sister, Liliosa was raped, tortured, and murdered. Alice never recovered from this and sadly she never received any counseling, nor any help at all. Despite this, my mother wrote a book entitled "Liliosa Rapi Hilao". The book is about how my mum and our family members and friends recalled the events that transpired during the illegal abduction, rape, torture, and murder of my Aunt by the military troops in the Philippines under the rule and regime of President Ferdinand Marcos during Martial Law. To date, nobody knows the exact date my Aunt died. To date, the Marcos family never apologize and even wants to revise the history of the Philippines that whatever happened, didn't happen, when in fact to date our family can still feel the pain that the Marcos' family did and has been doing. My Aunt's murderers are still at large and have never been investigated. To date, my mother is still fighting for justice for her sister, Lili.

With regard to my mother, nobody knew that as a result of this heinous crime, my mother has been suffering from post-traumatic disorder (PTSD) all of her life. I only found out about it when I took her to a neurologist and psychiatrist. At the age of 76, my mother was diagnosed with PTSD and dementia, including an enlarged heart. Although she never had the chance to have the psychological help she desperately needed, at least at the last stage of her life she can find comfort and peace. We don't know when she will last but with your help and kind generosity, I want her to be well taken care of in a hospital, and have a comfortable and happy life. Thanking you in advance for your kindness and may the good Lord bless you and your family.

Please note that ABS-CBN and Ateneo de Naga are only references of information and they are not in any way connected to this fundraising campaign. Credits to ABS-CBN News, Philippines regarding the photo; and to Ateneo De Naga for publishing the book. For more details about my mother and her sister's story: https://news.abs-cbn.com/human-rights-stories