Families remember missing loved ones

Erlinda Malicdem still remembers the last words her husband, Jimmy, uttered in Filipino before the urban poor leader disappeared on Oct. 8, 1987: “When the time comes, you’ll understand what I’m doing.”

“He was always there when they needed him,” she told the Philippine Daily Inquirer in a phone interview. She was 29 when she last saw her husband, then 34, in Sucat, Parañaque City.

Now 54, Erlinda has been visiting Bantayog ng mga Desaparecido at Redemptorist Church in Baclaran, Parañaque, since the memorial was erected in 1994. Tomorrow (Thursday), she will be visiting with her three children and five grandchildren, and over 60 other families.

“The families come here every year because they have no tomb to visit on All Souls’ Day,” said Wilma Tizon, deputy secretary general of the Families of Victims of Involuntary Disappearance Inc. (FIND), an organization of families, friends and colleagues of the disappeared, as well as surfaced “desaparecidos” (disappeared).

FIND has documented 1,838 cases of disappearances since 1971. Nearly half of the cases (878) happened during the martial law regime of President Ferdinand Marcos.

“Every All Souls’ Day, we make it a point to visit the memorial to remember our loved ones,” Erlinda said.

She remembers Jimmy as a man for others. “Before he disappeared, every time somebody called on him for help, that person becomes his priority.”

“He’s been gone for a long time, but the pain is still there,” she said.

Common ground

For families and friends of the disappeared, the Bantayog stands as common ground for remembrance. The memorial lists the names of Jimmy Malicdem and hundreds of other missing people etched in granite panels.

Unveiled in September 2004 in time for the 23rd anniversary of martial law, the memorial is the refurbished “Flame of Courage Monument,” which was originally unveiled by FIND on July 13, 1994, the ninth anniversary of the disappearance of Redemptorist priest Rudy Romano.

Romano, a well-known human rights activist, was abducted in Cebu in 1985, allegedly by military agents. To this day, he has not been found.

Designed and created by sculptor Lito Mondejar, the Flame of Courage features a mother carrying a torch, which symbolizes the courage of those left behind and continuing the struggle for justice.

A child holding the picture of his father represents hope that one day, the families will be reunited with their missing loved ones, according to FIND.

Tomorrow’s (Thursday) program will carry the theme “Paggunita at Pagdiriwang sa Buhay at Pakikibaka ng mga Desaparecidos” (Remembering and celebrating the lives and struggles of the Desaparecidos).

Thanksgiving, too

A thanksgiving ceremony will also be held for the passage of the Anti-Enforced Disappearance Bill earlier this month. “We will also again call for President Benigno Aquino III to sign the bill immediately,” Tizon said.

“Now that Congress has approved the bill and it is now in President Aquino’s hands, we hope he will sign it soon,” Erlinda said.

“We don’t want more disappearances. We don’t want more families experiencing the pain that these enforced disappearances cause,” she added.

The first in Asia to criminalize enforced disappearances, the bill was approved by the Senate and the House of Representatives on Oct. 16, It is now pending approval by the President.

The bill defines enforced or involuntary disappearance as “the arrest, detention, abduction or any other form of deprivation of liberty committed by agents of the state or by persons or groups of persons acting with authorization or support from the state, followed by a refusal to acknowledge the deprivation of liberty or by concealment of the fate or whereabouts of the disappeared.”

The maximum penalty for offenders is life imprisonment, or equivalent to 20 years and one day to 40 years in prison. Victims of enforced disappearance and their kin will also be entitled to compensation, restitution and rehabilitation.

The crime has no prescription period, unless the victim has surfaced. This means that the perpetrators can still be prosecuted regardless of how long the time of disappearance has passed.

“Every year, the families pray for justice to be served, and for their loved ones to be eventually found,” Tizon said.

Simultaneous rites will be held in FIND chapters in provinces in Central Luzon and Bicol, Cebu, Leyte, Negros, Panay, Northern Mindanao, Southern Mindanao and Western Mindanao.

Martial Law Victims Still Missing
Source: Families of Victims of Involuntary Disappearance (FIND), “Beyond Disappearance: Chronicles of Courage”

1972
Edwin Nartates
Salvador Santos
1973
Romeo Magbanua
Pangandigan Adil
Saddira Sarail
Arcadio Tumulak
Alfredo Mendoza
1974
Roberto Santos
Isaac De Guzman
Moises Rosanes
1975
Armando Mendoza
Roy Lorenzo Acebedo
Lamberto Guinto
Nolito Acebedo
Exequel Ocampo
Johannes Barrozo
Eugenio Flores
Ning-ning Flores
Nenita Luneta
Eutiquio Cabrera
Marcelino Cabrera
Vicente Cabrera
Primitivo Herbolingo
Bienvenido Bodiongan
Rogelio Pangan
Danny Ramat
Manuel Ontong
1976
Leticia Pascual
Emmanuel Alvarez
Emmanuel Yap
Alday Amilusin
Ludovico Elma Jr.
Mariano Lopez
Elino Legbas
Carlo Tayag
Henry Romero
Louie Demontaño
1977
Jose Datu
Arnulfo Resus
Benjamin Bahiyo
Gannie Arra
Wahid Diamla
Victor Reyes
Hermon Lagman
Herminio Mallari
Cristina Catalla
Erwin De La Torre
Gerardo Faustino
Rizalina Ilagan
Ramon Jasul
Jessica Sales
Modesto Sison
Ardiana Villaver
Bienvenido Perez
Romeo Cabrera
1978
Benedicto Come
Jenalyn Giganto
Emerlinda Aycochu
Edison Coronado
Apolonio Tion
Felino Malinao
Elpidio Flores
Roberto Luzon
Harana Abubakar
Ading Agil
Muktadir Sari Ahmad
Maran Aidani
Pindan Aidani
Harana Julkarnain
Kahiyulan Julkarnain
Ruhana Jumdail
Sahila Manadali
Lilloh Manaji
Sakkam Saddang
Asamuddin Sadjarani
Mahmod Sadjarani
Rakib Sadjarani
Hudayya Sahi
Itti Sahiron
Albani Sappari
1979
Florencio Pesquesa
Rodolfo Ramos
Mohammad Abdillah
Sukon Aguio
Alamaddin Kussain
Amanodin Salik
Sabayan Salik
Clemente Listana
Pablito Lentija
Datu Ali Aduk
Motem Kilam
Martin Sabang
Ignacio Buenafe
Regino Espenesin Sr.
Pablo Pajaroja
Quirino Pajaroja
Oliver Roncales
Rodolfo Carvajal
Pesina Sate
Alejandro Endos
Juanito Endos
Pablo Castro
Datu Uiaya
Mario Dayondon
Arnulfo Mondejar
Oscar Mondejar
Antonio Villanueva
1980
Mamerto Granados
Amina Gawin
Modesto Alim
Antonio Bantot
Matias Lopez
Oscar Maningo
Alberto Lumanlan
Romeo Crismo
Tito Mauricio
Bienvenido Catubig
Antonio Sanchez
Gualberto Dalayan
Ernesto Cayupasan
Monera Abidin
Zalika Bakar
Ricky Quinico
1981
Vivencio Santos
Hilario Sarah
Diosdado Magturtur
William Bragais
Jeremias Mallargo
Robert Sayre
Teofilo Lanzaderas
Acmad Baguinda
Ali Talusan
Epifanio Puebla
Arquelino Maghanoy
Facundo Milagrosa
Rogelio Dituya
Rogelio Taghap
Cresencio Barnuevo
Alexander Cabrera
Wilfredo Luansing
Teodorico Raagas Jr.
Antonio Sta. Ana
Gemeliana Paguio
Pastor Armia
Clodualdo Duquiatan
Iluminada Duquiatan
Josefino Duquiatan
Eduardo Dizon
Isabel Ramos
Ireneo Carreon
Nestor Narca
Sebastian Matibag
Alfredo Saballa
Saturnino Caño
1982
Marcial Asiong
Joaquin Montejo Jr.
Marvin Banton
Edilberto Guban
Gualberto Guban
Elino Rada
Gemino Sacriz
Joaquin Sardo
Conrado Dalute
Feliciano Pabres
Roberto De La Cruz
Jacob Gonzales
Benjamin Bilmen
Jose Rilles
Alexberto Cabrera
Abel Jerez
Oscar Lastimoso
Onofre de Mesa
Mauricio De Belen
Binturi Matangal
Santiago Aguinaldo
Santiago Ramos
Guido Raquino
Erning Yadao
Maurecio Torciende
1983
Adonis Aniskal
Victor Elorde
Diosdado Montiza
Virgie Bustillo
Lourdes Landero
Rodolfo Laroya
Emelio Mantalogco
Cristituto Taglocop
Roberto Taglocop
Roberto Amparo
Cerefino Flores Jr
Domingo Almuete
Lito Quilicot
Antonio Sambajon
Henry Quino
Diosdado Ybañez
Eufronio Quino
Cornelio Senoc
Wilson Raot-raot
Julito Olasiman
Narciso Letran
Adolfo Pahay
Geremias Cepe
Nestor Doromal
Jimmy Abulok
Yolanda Gordula
Alfredo Cabasa
Igmedeo Cabasa
Anastacio Obelle
Arnulfo Espinar
Romeo Landero
Rodolfo Marzan
Probo Condez Jr
Salvador Munding
Marcelino Miral
Gina Lomongco
Teddy Rabelista
Marcelo Silagan
Juanito Villarin
Manolito Jayme
Orlando Espanilla
Toto Acibar
Enrique Docto
Marcial Alfon
Sergio Garcia
Rene Hava
Carlito Tan
Jose Geronimo
Conrado Mavida
Wenceslao Mavida
Carlito Abogada
Geronimo Quimbo
Arsenio Sumino
Rodolfo Ganas
Feliciano Senoc
Roseo Senoc
Joseph Ingkoy
Ibrahim Sarabi
Roman Algarme
Roberto Mabeza
Reynaldo Gardose
Danilo Apalisok
Renato Bautista
Saturnino Cenizal
1984
Ernesto Amet
Julieto Montero
Rogelio Secson
Warlito Cemeno
Zoilo Cemeno
Alfred Rayno
Mauricio Rayno
Menez Tabutabo
Lodovico Canoy
Juan Estoria Jr
Federico Miral
Rosendo Binong
Francisco Escorro
Teofilo Escorro
Samuel Tambula
Osting Tillares
Florencio Vallejos
Juanito Llego
Rogelio Bernardo
Enrique Leal
Amor Tabios
Gerbasya Libre
Isagani Marino
Delfin Empon
Pedro Gallanero Jr
Simeon Jagape Jr
Artemio Maglinte
Bienvinido Uray
Santiago Reyes
Segundina Micabalo
Lamberto Yuson
Rosalindo Yuson
Reynesto Santiago
Julieto Mahinay
Joselito Patorgo
Eddie Almonte
Rolando Alos
Francisco Balucan
Danilo Halandumon
Jose Jamar Jr
Ricardo Kipkipan
Cenon Lague
Francisco Labrador
Ernesto Aprovechar
Jolly Badayos
Anastacio Esguerra
Penajero Santos
Arcadio Yambo
Francisca Lonzaga
Jose Ricomono
Nancy Josol
Rodolfo Booc
Julie Guray
Arsenio Bartolo
Trinidad Bartolo
Carlito Bolaquinia
Eugenio Maquirang
Danilo Deldoc Sr
Reynaldo Yandoc
Marcelo Jose
Precillano Maat
Eleazar Mante
Eleseo Resma
Juanito Alojepan
Edgar Timbad
Bonifacio Amarillo
Rodelio Manaog
Elsie Ravelo
Norberto Tompong
Larry Catayao
Raul Acero
Efren Diaz
Flordeliza Gorgonio
Hildita Buhiya
Zita Carredo
Reynaldo Mendoza
Lourdes Samson
Bernardo Buntag
Melecio Luib Jr
Luciano Astigi
Nonita Adin
Francisco Cruz
Rudy Macapayat
Melgardo Landero
Ely Coper Raburar
Rolando Obbus
Rodolfo Amate
Norberto Udtiyan
Roberto Villareiz
Gonzalo Columbres Jr
Tiburcio Cubol
Rogelio Sullano
Henry Hilario
Ibrahim Abdulah
Cesar Villadores
Lolito Limaco
Agustin Barnizo
Teodoro Ibarra
Uldarico Manog Sr
Ricardo Santillan
Marciano Talay
Benito Sacluti
Silvestrer Azares Jr
Rogelio Gatilas
Vigilio Factoran
Roman Echano
Lorenzo Cabigon
Johnny Chavez Jr
Hector Petilla Sr
Elmerito Pino-on
Bonifacio Defamonte
Ricardo Magdayao
Mario Canillo
Mario Canonigo
Lamac-lamac Torencia
Lintoy Placido
Mario Dali-an
Losod Amborno
Ramon Palma
Jerry Renta
1985
Miguel Amidao
Benjamin Ando
Juanita Apilit
Harrison Arzaga
Virgilio Badiao
Federico Odang
Nolinito Munez
Alfredo Uray
Wilfredo Alaban
Mondito Calatay
Simeon Sison
Winefreda Busbos
Danilo Boston
Ben Pangan
Timoteo Olivarez
Antonio Branggan Jr.
Sherlito Jamito
Efren Lamban
Helen Juayang
Marcelo Abarca
Mario Maglangit
Nilo Paculanang
Allan Parroco
Estriponio Capangpangan
Dodong Lagas
Mateo Lurupan
Jaime Jamero
Tenoy Tagulaylay
Bernardo Viajedor
John Seva
Emilio Togonon
Benjamin Navera
Melencio Yanson
Cirilo Campo
Lourdesio Obsioma
Renato Baunites
Aniceto Cagadas
Reneboy Del Rosario
Alejandro Gemongala
Montella Santos
Agapito Padilla
Jerry Casona
Gabino Tanaid
Edito Bersola
Jerry Caraca
Teodoro Gonzales
Juan Matiga
Hilario Tagudin
Rogelio Torregosa
Flaviano Navarro
Rogelio Ganadin
Romeo Rag
Cesar Mamon
Jovinal Durilag
Elena Villas
Jose Andalay
Jaime Dagasuan
Emmanuel Pardalis
Charlo Abueva
Orlando Gonzalo
Joel Jimenez
Romeo Jimenez
Paulino Pondara
Christopher Celicious
Florencio Daniel
Anastacio Demerin
Lorenzo Calungsod
Ireneo Gario
Venerando Villacillo
Ricardo Lascona
Nenita Mendoza
Marcelino Coming
Vicente Dawa
Luciano Lawas
Ireneo Pruta
Boy Socades
Vevencio Gonzales
Brendo Pelucio
Reynaldo Recoleto
Delfin Magadan
Rosendo Magadan
Victorino Magadan
Adolfo Neri
Marcelino Neri
Cirilo Rubio
Cirilo Tadlip
Eleazar Tubal
Tayon Naya
Antonio Tacuyan
Laida Tacuyan
Sarah Tacuyan
Aniceta Waslo
Florentino Galarpe
Rudy Romano
Roland Levi Ybañez
Roberto Bantilan
Ricardo Lacona
Claudio Ca-ay
Iglecerio Unyong
Eulogio Tadlip
Rufino Ancoy
Aurella de Jesus
Rodrigo Laido
Pedro Anduhayan Jr
Enecito Luad
Dante Frondoso
Ruperto Aguirre Jr
Joebel Bentic
Benito Sipsip
Julieto Docdoc
Alberto Moreno
Ronima Pacquiao
Mario Sagrado Jr
Ma Victoria Matilde Espano
Romeo Sebugan
Samuel Padayugdog
Marianito Abaencia
Edgardo Mangadlaw
Rodrigo Quizo
Alberto Yurong
Fortunato Pacomios
Soledad Salvador
Nilo Valerio
Cresteta Fernandez
Dario Gawisao
Donato Villarubia Jr
Rogelio Alfonso
Reynaldo Buan
Eleuterio Laurito
Eddie Demerin
Jose Descano
Albert Enriquez
Hermogenes Boreros
Alfred Cupat
Bebe Cupat
Hermie Mahasol
Felipe Retita
Jesus Boter
Rey Camis
Benjamin Swerte
Celso Dadia-on
Alfredo Logrosa
Oscar Logrosa
Reynaldo Napili
Roseminda Gumampo
Aquilio Guminta
Ronie Rapal
Julius Taparo
Lino Taparo
Ernesta Empleo
Gemma Empleo
Jessica Empleo
Maximino Empleo
Marcel Roxas
Jaime Acuram
Mario Acuram
Pacifico Acuram
Maximo Lagumbay
Felipe Clave
Pastor Molino
Felixberto Sescon
Nestor Mondega
Peter Aniñon
Luzminda Albeloros
Dindo Suminod
Cirilio Tamparong
Leah Amidao
Antonio Ugdao
Epinito Halasan
Angelito Laurito
Melanio Pal
Domingo Pal
Reynaldo Pal
Omarlito Robles
Gaudeoso Sabillo
Hernando Gamit
Teodorico Baba
Garciano Garidos
Pedro Tormes
Raul Pacete
Valeriano Ombay
Romeo Rendon
Porferio Agay
Rodeo Demetillo
Mariano Acebuche
Pedro Paradero
Fructuoso Ejercito
Emmanuel Casulla
Evangeline Tuganas
Marcos Medalla
Vicente Abella
Marcelino Lucaban
Jovito Velasco
Elizabeth Resma
Crispin Traya
Ireneo Monsanto
Nilo Ignacio
David Barrios Jr
Leonardo Bantilan
Orlando Gonzales
Welio Nalam
Rogelio Ocate
Josephine Reyes
Consolatrix Dapilos
Jesus Arcilla
Francisco Cumayas
Fernando Quiambao
Andresita Cagadas
Gregorio Odian
Saturnino Odian
Domingo Orijas
Sabeniano Sarceda
Agustin Baguio
Danilo Gonzales
Eleuterio Gumamay
Ruben Banhao
Cristino Tarrobago
Ponciano De La Cruz
Rogelio Cortel

1986
Danilo Magsanos
Esmeraldo Almazan
Arnulfo Rodriguez
Diosdado Hicale
Marcelo Jabasa
Arsenio Perez
Victoriano Bautista
Bernandino Deleger
Donato Torre
Jesse Pascua
Julio Maniacup
Ernesto Bacani
Dasol Nanquil