January 13, 2026

On behalf of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL), we extend our deepest condolences to the Community Empowerment Network (CERNET), to Ms. Cristina “Cris” Muñoz’s colleagues, and to her family and loved ones.

Ms. Muñoz was a woman human rights defender, a social worker, and a steadfast pillar of CERNET. She served as Administrative and Finance Officer with utmost dedication and, until the end, carried the responsibility of Officer in Charge, standing as Executive Director. Despite facing serious illness, she did not turn away from her commitment to serve communities, to defend rights and dignity, and to uphold justice.

Ms. Muñoz knew the cost of defending people’s rights in a climate of intimidation and fear. She endured persistent harassment and fabricated accusations, all of which were dismissed, yet the persecution did not cease. Still, she remained faithful to her duties and to the communities CERNET serves. Even as illness took its toll, she did not readily step away from the work she believed in.

Her passing is a profound loss for CERNET and for all those who labored alongside her. It is also a loss to the community of human rights defenders and humanitarian workers who, like Ms. Muñoz, have been compelled to carry both the burden of service and the weight of unjust attacks.

In this time of grief, NUPL stands with CERNET and its people. We reiterate our grave concern over the continuing red-tagging, harassment, and criminalization of human rights defenders and humanitarian workers, including the CERNET 27, through the weaponization of laws to silence dissent and curtail legitimate advocacy and humanitarian action.

We offer our condolences to Ms. Muñoz’s family and loved ones, and our solidarity to her colleagues. May you find comfort in the respect she earned, the lives she touched, and the work she helped sustain.

With our deepest sympathy and solidarity,
National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL)