“If Marcos Sr. is notorious for thousands of human rights violations over his 14-year dictatorship, his son and namesake is fast gaining a name in the halls of infamy with 105 extrajudicial killings (EJK), 75 frustrated EJKs, 15 enforced disappearances, 145 illegal arrests and detentions, 42,426 forcibly evacuated, 44,604 victims of bombings and 63,379 victims of indiscriminate firing from July 2022.”
The survivors under the banner of Campaign Against Return of the Marcoses and Martial Law (CARMMA) underscored that the fight for justice and accountability, and the struggle against historical distortion and impunity are far from over.
For Medy De Jesus, 74, a martial law survivor and member of human rights group Hustisya, the impending charter change could bring back another dictatorship and more human rights violations.
“We must not stop because our aspirations then haven't been realized yet. We need to continue fighting for freedom and true progress for the Filipino people.”
Since 2017 peasants and peasant women in Northern Samar have complained of extra-judicial killings, military encampment in public schools and in barangays, forcible mass evacuation affecting 2,423 victims, illegal arrest and detention, series of aerial bombing, psywar and surveillance, destruction of properties, sexual harassment and others.
“As teachers, it is our duty to stop this appalling disrespect of history.”
“The Friday protest proves that the [government] can no longer contain the angst and frustrations of the [displaced] Meranaws from the [main] affected areas. The [government] should now look into the clamor of affected residents,."
“Let's remember the historical significance of the FQS and tightly hold on to its lesson that there is no other way to preserve our rights but to unite and fight against all forms of fascism and dictatorship.”
Karapatan said the looming extension and expansion of martial law nationwide makes the human rights situation "more urgent and dangerous."
“Be afraid, Digong because this is not the last.”
A Mindanao peace group reports killings, disappearances and torture of Marawi civilians by government troops since the its military offensives began in May.
By IAN IRVING BAZARTE Bulatlat MANILA – In a special session held today at Batasan Pambansang Complex, Quezon City, the Congress of the Philippines – which includes the House of Representatives and the Senate – approved a five-month extension of President Rodrigo...
“How can we say that martial law will ensure the safety of the people when we have these reports?”
By IAN IRVING BAZARTE Bulatlat MANILA – Various progressive groups today, July 7, continued to protest the Supreme Court (SC)’s affirmation of martial law in Mindanao, as they warned of its possible extension, not only in Mindanao but in other parts of the country....
“Today we weep for Mindanao, we weep for our country."
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