NEVER FORGET | The Baguio Cathedral on Wednesday celebrated a special Mass for Cordillerans who disappeared or were tortured or killed for resisting the Marcos dictatorship in the 1970s and 1980s. Former political detainees attended the Mass held to mark the 50th anniversary of the declaration of martial law. (Photo by EV ESPIRITU / Inquirer Northern Luzon)
BAGUIO CITY, Benguet, Philippines — A Mass for martyrs and victims of human rights abuse during martial law was celebrated at the Baguio Cathedral on Wednesday, to mark the 50th anniversary of the declaration of military rule by the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
Attended by activists and martial law survivors, the Mass offered prayers to hundreds of Filipinos, particularly Cordillera leaders who disappeared or were murdered for resisting the Marcos regime.
“Praying for the victims of injustice is our role as Christians,” said Fr. Marion Joseph Nebres, the Cathedral’s parochial vicar, in his homily. Caring for others, particularly victims of abuse, is a patently Filipino trait, he said.
Nebres said this was also why martial law survivors must also pray for the nation’s leaders so that the bitter years under martial law would never be repeated.
He reminded them that “sinners can change,” and they must stand as inspirations for abusers so they would convert.
“Kung gusto mong baguhin ang mundo, simulan natin sa ating sarili (If we are resolved to change the world, begin with yourself),” Nebres said.
No political color
The Mass itself was devoid of political color. No tarpaulins condemning martial law were put up, and activists were discouraged from staging protests within the grounds of the cathedral.
Instead, groups of activists were scheduled to march to Teachers’ Camp where survivors of almost 20 years of atrocities under martial law would gather for a cultural night.
At a Sept. 14 forum, former political detainees reflected on the ability of Baguio students, scholars and journalists to present the truth about martial law violence under the very noses of authorities tasked to suppress or control speech, information and movement in the summer capital.
In Camarines Sur province, some 100 people staged a rally in Naga City to remind people of the brutality of martial law. Their placards read: “Brutalidad kan martial law dae paglingawan, hustisya padagos na ipaglaban (Don’t forget the brutality of martial law, continue fighting for justice)!”
Protesters held a caravan through the main streets of the city center before they gathered at Plaza Rizal.Jen Nagrampa, Bayan Bicol chair, said: “As long as we are alive, the oppression made by the dictator will never be forgotten … Victims deserve justice.”
In Albay province, militant groups organized a “people’s Mass” at St. Gregory the Great Cathedral in Legazpi City.A candle-lighting event was also scheduled at Peñaranda Park in Legazpi on Wednesday night.
In Bohol province, at least 100 members of a farmers’ group staged a protest rally in the capital Tagbilaran City.
Saniel Peligro, secretary general of Hugpong sa Mag-uumang Bol-anon (Humabol), called on Filipinos to never forget the atrocities during the martial law.
Farmers’ plight
“The martial law years are still very fresh in my mind. But nothing much has happened since then. We’re still living in fear,” he said in Cebuano.
Peligro appealed to the government to find ways to alleviate the plight of farmers by addressing high prices of fertilizers and other farm needs.
“As long as farmers are poor and neglected by the government, we will never forget,” he said.
In Negros Occidental province, Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos called for an end to “the systematic erasure of historical truth.”
“The truth remains: martial law plundered our nation’s wealth and committed massive human rights violations,” Alminaza said in a pastoral message issued on Tuesday.
The bishop described claims that the martial law period was a “golden age” for the country as “historical distortion.”
Stop disinformation
“There is a need to end the massive disinformation that escalated in the last presidential elections,” he said.
Alminaza reiterated calls for an end to people’s sufferings, including human rights violations and the militarization of communities that started during martial law period and continues until today.
“It saddens us that our call for peace and an end of hostilities remain unheeded,” he said.
“Our collective memories of the violence of martial law strengthen our resolve to intensify our vigilance against any unjust and violent acts reminiscent of the past.”
Alminaza called for the resumption of peace talks and the creation of inclusive “zones of peace” in areas challenged by militarization and violence.
“Our people suffered long enough from fear and injustice. We must pursue peace without violence,” he said.
In Cebu City, martial law survivors gathered on Wednesday for the launching of the book, “Martial Law in Cebu: A story of struggle and sacrifices during the Marcos dictatorship.”
The 250-page book includes accounts from human rights lawyer Democrito Barcenas, retired judge Meinrado Paredes, National Artist for Literature Resil Mojares, and 20 others.
—REPORTS FROM VINCENT CABREZA, KIMBERLIE QUITASOL, MICHAEL JAUCIAN, LEO UDTOHAN, CARLA GOMEZ AND ADOR VINCENT MAYOL
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