Kilusan.Net

On the 38th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law by the dictator Ferdinand Marcos, human rights victims from across decades marched anew to Mendiola to demand justice.
Led by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan and allied groups, the victims of Martial Law and the reign of terror of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo assembled at the Bustillos church, near the marker of martyr Edgar Jopson. A brief ceremony was led by 70’s activists belonging to the First Quarter Storm Movement. The groups then marched to Mendiola and laid a wreath at the Chino Roces Monument, in memory of the martyrs of Martial Law.

Bayan also pressed President Benigno Aquino III to release all political prisoners, especially those arrested under the Arroyo regime.

“The people more than ever demand justice. Both the victims of Martial Law and Arroyo’s reign of terror continue to be denied justice. Pres.Aquino, who is himself a victim of Martial Law, should be decisive in addressing outstanding human rights issues, including the release of political prisoners,” said Bayan secretary general Renato M. Reyes, Jr.

“This government talks big on transparency and accountability but we have yet to see concrete results insofar as human right is concerned. What is disturbing is the commitment of the new administration to increase the number of troops, increase the funding for the AFP, and extend the US-directed counter-insurgency program known as Bantay Laya,” he added.

Bayan pointed out that the victims of Martial Law are denied justice up to now, even as the Marcoses are back in power through various government positions.

Bongbong Marcos is a senator, Imee Marcos a governor and the former first lady Imelda Marcos a congresswoman.

“This is a sad commentary indeed, a reflection of the failure of the past governments in making the Marcoses accountable for martial law,” Reyes said.

The group also called attention to the case of the Morong 43, the health workers arrested this year on a patently defective search warrant and who were tortured at a military camp.

“The continuing legacy of martial law can be seen in how the AFP works to suppress the people, on how it systematically violates human rights such as the case of the Morong 43. The violation of their rights, their arrests and torture, are so reminiscent of martial law,” Reyes said.

After a short program at Mendiola Bridge, Bayan proceeded to Robinson’s Manila where it sponsored a special screening of the film SIGWA. The martial activists marched with the cast and directors of Sigwa, which included director Joel Lamangan, screenwriter Boni Ilagan, Tirso Cruz III, Marvin Agustin, Allen Dizon, Mon Confiado, and Ayen Laurel.

SIGWA is a film set during the period of the First Quarter Storm and Martial Law of the 70’s.###