Political detainees’ kids lead march for justice

Children whose parents or relatives are either detained, have disappeared or are victims of harassment join a Santacruzan at Quezon Memorial Circle to draw attention to their call for justice for their loved ones. JOAN BONDOC

MANILA, Philippines – It seemed like any other Santacruzan—young girls dressed in colorful gowns were escorted by boys in formal wear as they paraded around Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City on Saturday morning.

There was one big difference, however, as all of the participants had a parent or relative who remained in detention or had been forcibly abducted. Others were victims of harassment.

“Like the Santacruzan which depicts Reyna Elena’s search for the true cross, these children’s version symbolizes a continuing search for justice and peace,” said Cristina Guevarra, secretary general of Hustisya, which organized the Santacruzan for Justice.

During the procession, 12 pairs of children walked beneath arches bearing messages which called for political prisoners to be freed and the resumption of the peace talks.

“They were told that this Santacruzan would be different and they are aware of injustices that children like them face,” Guevarra said.

The message on one arch read” “Palayain si Andrea Rosal (Free Andrea Rosal),” referring to the daughter of the late communist spokesperson Gregorio “Ka Roger” Rosal, who remains detained on various charges.

Others called for a halt to enforced disappearances and the torture of activists.

As the children walked in the summer sun, some held hands while others were given ice cream to keep them cool.

Renato Reyes, secretary general of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, brought his own son, 6-year-old Dylan, to the alternative Santacruzan.

“He has been waiting since 8 a.m. for his partner; he was really eager to take part in this,” Reyes said.

A 14-year-old girl from Tacloban whose family was being harassed by alleged National Bureau of Investigation agents was the oldest participant.

She and her family moved to Manila in November last year after Supertyphoon “Yolanda” ravaged their house.

Her mother was a pastor who had been threatened with arrest even though there were no charges filed against her.

“Our rights as children are being trampled upon with these kinds of abuses. My mother, for example, was being harassed even if she had not done anything wrong,” the girl said.