FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 19, 2005
AS-130-2005
A Statement by the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC)
Philippines: Tribute to Sister Marianni
The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) joins all those voicing their deep appreciation of the life Sister Marianni Dimaranan, who passed away at the age of 81-years on December 16, 2005, after spending a significant portion of her life fighting for the poor and human rights. Sister Marianni was a true heroine in the fight for human rights in the Philippines and has left the legacy of a role model for future generations.
It was martial law and the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos that brought out the spirit and determination of a young nun, who joined ranks with those defending human rights. For this, she was imprisoned under the Marcos regime.
The impressions she developed and the convictions she acquired during this extremely tense period lasted throughout her life. At later conferences and meetings she would describe the bonds of solidarity forged inside the prison, and how the prisoners would share everything and look after each other.
Sister Marianni remained very active until a few years ago, when she was incapacitated by illness. She was a very close friend of the AHRC and attended many of its meetings. In 1995 she was made one of the senior advisers for the AHRC, a position she held until her death.
She lays in state at La Verna 11, 16th St. New Manila (behind St. Joseph’s). There will be a tribute on December 22.
The AHRC extends condolences to Sister Marianni’s family, her congregation of sisters, her colleagues in the human rights movement and all others grieved by her passing.
