Martial Law anniversary
Filipino activists accuse President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s government of carrying out a "witch-hunt" against rights defenders as they hold rallies for the 51st anniversary of the imposition of Martial Law on Thursday.
Hundreds of people marched in Manila calling for the release of victims of forced disappearances and the abolishment of an anti-communist task force, set up by former president Rodrigo Duterte, that has been accused of targeting government critics.
Rights group Karapatan said the Marcos Jr. administration was using the task force to "witch-hunt activists, human rights defenders and other dissenters", while enabling the military and police to "perpetuate repression reminiscent of the Martial Law era". — AFP
Migrante-International joins the nation in commemorating the 51st anniversary of Ferdinand Marcos Sr’s declaration of Martial Law in 1972.
The group says Martial Law conditions persist under the term of Marcos Sr's son.
"Today, the Philippines’ president is Marcos’ junior, Bongbong, and Martial Law conditions persist under his term. We are therefore calling on the Filipino migrants and people: fight for our rights and interests and oppose the anti-migrant and anti-people policies of the Marcos Jr regime!" it says.
"Martial Law meant the use of the military and the government to repress all voices that were independent and critical of Marcos. Without declaring Martial Law, Rodrigo Duterte, Marcos Jr’s ally and predecessor, did the same during his presidency.He killed thousands in his war on drugs and hundreds more in his war against the insurgency, attacked everyone from the Church and media to the elite opposition, and violated many human rights. Marcos Jr has rejected all efforts to hold Duterte accountable through the International Criminal Court and other means," the group adds.
Vice President Leni Robredo urges Filipinos to never forget the horror during the Marcos regime as the country marks the 47th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law.
"Higit sa pag-alala, ang araw na ito ay isang panawagan sa ating lahat na maging kasangkapan ng katotohanan at katarungan. Isang panawagan na gampanan ang ating iisang tungkulin na siguruhing walang lugar ang kahit sinong diktador sa isang bayang malaya. Tandaan natin na walang pinuno ang mas makapangyarihan sa kaniyang sambayanang pinagsisilbihan," Robredo says.
"May magtangka mang ulitin ang madilim na yugtong ito ng ating kasaysayan, sama-sama tayong titindig nang taas-noo at sasabihin: Hindi natin hahayaang umiral muli ang kadiliman sa ating bayan. Hindi dito, hindi ngayon, at hindi kailanman," she adds.
Former Rep. Lorenzo "Erin" Tañada expresses alarm over the increasing instances of red-tagging and political harassment as the Philippines commemorates the 47th year of Martial Law.
"Every martial law anniversary is an occasion to stand for truth and spread the real stories of the dark days of terror and injustice under the 21-year Marcos dictatorship," Tañada says.
"There are no so-called alternative truths or tales from the other side of the coin. Martial law suppressed rights, caused disappearances, torture, and killings, and perpetrated systematic plunder," he adds.
The Philippines is set to commemorate the declaration of martial law on Saturday, September 21. Monitor this page for activities and updates marking the 47th anniversary of Martial Law.
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