Group wants to follow up on compensation for Martial Law victims
Names of alleged human rights victims during Martial Law as shown in a press conference held by Tindig Pilipinas on September 19, 2023 in Quezon city.
MANILA, Philippines — A group is seeking the full implementation of a law that recognizes and remembers the human rights abuses that happened under Martial law.
‘Tindig Pilipinas’ made this known in a press conference in Quezon city on Monday.
The group’s convenor Teresita Quintos noted one decade after the law was signed, some of the Martial Law victims and their kin have yet to be compensated for the injustices and ordeal they went through.
The organization is referring to Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act of 2013, otherwise known as Republic Act (RA) Number 10368.
“Mahirap kung iilan lang ang nananawagan. Kaya nga itong panawagan na ito, hindi lang diretso sa mga kinauukulan, kung hindi sa bawat Pilipino na tumindig,” Quintos said.
(It’s difficult if there are only a few who make the call. That’s why this request, this is not just directed to the authorities, but to all Filipinos who are standing up.)
The law honors the “heroism and sacrifices of all Filipinos who were victims of summary execution, torture, enforced or involuntary disappearance, and other gross human rights violations” during the administration of late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
It was signed and passed into law by the late former President Benigno Aquino III on January 28, 2013.
Under RA 10368, victims of torture or other similar practices and their families are entitled to receive monetary or non-monetary compensation to be handled by Human Rights Victims Claims Board.
Quintos is urging the people to join them in asking for the full release of the compensation.
According to reports, about 107,240 people suffered human rights violations under Martial Law.
Out of this number, only over 11,000 people received payment through RA 10368.
RELATED STORIES
#NeverAgain: 50 years after martial law, Lagman says PH must not allow rights abuses
Anti-drug war victims seek resumption of ICC probe on EJKs
New book urges youth to prevent martial law sequel
