Multi-awarded Filipina novelist and activist Lualhati Bautista passed away, Sunday morning, according to a relative.

Posted on the Facebook page of Sonny Ross Samonte, Bautista’s first cousin;

Sad News for our Torres Clan, Our first cousin Lualhati Bautista died at 77 yrs old this morning. Lualhati Torres Bautista (born December 2, 1945) is a Filipina writer, novelist, liberal activist and political critic. Her most popular novels include Dekada ’70; Bata, Bata, Pa’no Ka Ginawa?; and ‘GAPÔ. 🥲

Lualhati Bautista best known for her works: Dekada ’70; Bata, Bata, Pa’no Ka Ginawa?; and Gapo. She is also the screenplay writer of the award winning film “Bulaklak sa City Jail,” starring Nora Aunor, Gina Alajar and Gloria Romero, which won best story and best screenplay at the Metro Manila Film Festival in 1984.

Aside from writing, Bautista is also known for her activism regarding social and political system in the country and was red tagged by Jefferson Lodia Badong, accusing her of being a member of New People’s Army (NPA), an allegation that Bautista herself answered and called out.