Martial law atrocities should not be forgotten, says Pacquiao

Senator Manny Pacquiao is swarmed by supporters during his visit to Cebu.

MANILA, Philippines — Presidential aspirant Senator Manny Pacquiao said the atrocities during martial law should not be forgotten, adding he will back any investigation into the forced disappearances during that time.

Pacquiao said this after he offered a prayer and laid a wreath to the marker of human rights advocate Fr. Rudy Romano in Cebu City. Romano was abducted in 1985 allegedly by military agents.

He has been missing for 36 years and is revered as one of Cebu’s local heroes.

In an interview with reporters, Pacquiao said that while the wounds suffered by the victims of martial law atrocities can be healed, they are “forever scathed.”

“Ayokong magbanggit ng pangalan, pero itong pagpunta ko rito ay pagbibigay respeto at simbolo ng kalayaan ng bawat isa. Ito ay nagsisimbolo ng karapatan ng bawat isa, karapatan ng malayang pagpapahayag ng saloobin,” the senator said.

“Mensahe natin irespeto ang karapatan ng bawat isa, Lahat may karapatan na mabuhay ng walang takot,” he added.

Pacquiao also said he will support any investigation on the forced disappearances during martial law.

“Sundin natin ang batas. Magimbestiga tayo para malaman kung sino ang mga dapat na parusahan,” he added.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao reiterated his commitment to fight corruption and vowed to crack down on corrupt government officials.

“Gagawin ko po ang lahat ng aking makakayama para maipaglaban ang ating mga kababayan, higit sa lahat ang mga mahihirap. Ipakukulong po natina ng mga kawatan sa gobyerno,” he said.

“Ang plataporma ko po ay mabigyan ng kinabukasan at maayos na pamumuhay ang mamamayan na walang korapsyon,” he added.

EDV