The Council for People’s Development and Governance (CPDG) mourns the passing of Ms. Cristina “Cris” Muñoz, a devoted development worker, human rights defender, and a central figure in the life of the Community Empowerment Network (CERNET). We extend our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones, to her colleagues and the communities served by CERNET under her watch.
Cris was one of the pioneers of CERNET, network composed of nine humanitarian and development non-governmental organisations (NGOs) established in 2001. It is based in Cebu City and implements community-led projects in the Visayas islands, in Central Philippines.
Cris was not someone who sought the spotlight. Yet through her steady presence, discipline, and care for both people and processes, she helped hold CERNET together during its most difficult moments. As Administrative and Finance Officer, Executive Director and later as Officer-in-Charge, she carried immense responsibility with humility and resolve. Even as she battled cancer, she remained engaged in the work—checking in, guiding, and supporting her colleagues.
She was also one of the CERNET 27—humanitarian and development workers who together with CERNET as the organization—were charged with fabricated accusations of terrorism financing. The stress and pressure of this persecution did not break her commitment. Instead, Cris continued to serve quietly, choosing courage over fear in an environment that has grown increasingly hostile to civil society.
Cris’ death is not only a personal loss; it is a political loss. It reflects the human cost of shrinking civic space, where development workers are forced to endure harassment, legal uncertainty, and fear simply for doing their jobs. Her story is a reminder that repression does not end with court cases; it seeps into people’s lives, health, and well-being.
CPDG stands with CERNET, the CERNET 27, and all development and humanitarian workers facing similar attacks. Together with the Defend NGO Alliance, we reiterate our call to end red-tagging, harassment, and the weaponization of laws against civil society organizations, and development workers.
We honor Cris not only for her service, but for her quiet strength, her sense of responsibility, and her refusal to abandon the work she believed in. May her family, friends, colleagues and communities she served find strength in her example, and may her life continue to inspire our collective struggle for social justice, dignity and just peace.
In remembrance and commitment to continue the work,
