MANILA, Philippines – Veteran journalist and filmmaker Arlyn dela Cruz died after battling colon cancer, her daughters confirmed on Monday, December 20.

In a statement on Monday, daughters Katrina Greta and Dominique said that Dela Cruz fought cancer for six years.

“During those years, she has produced, written, and directed several films, had two art exhibits, and continued her relentless pursuit for the truth,” her daughters said.

“The disease did not conquer her zest for life and adventure, and she approached every new day armed with her razor-sharp wit and creativity,” they said.

Dela Cruz was a news director and anchor at Radyo Inquirer. She was a longtime correspondent-at-large for the Philippine Daily Inquirer and was a reporter for Net 25.

In January 2002, Dela Cruz was abducted by rebels in Jolo, Sulu while trying to get interviews with kidnapped American missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham. She was released after being held hostage for three months.

Dela Cruz directed the award-winning film “Maratabat,” her directorial debut in 2014, which was inspired by the Maguindanao massacre.

She also directed “Tibak,” a biopic of exiled Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria Sison, and “Mandirigma,” inspired by the Mamasapano clash where 44 Special Action Force troops were killed.

– Rappler.com