MANILA, Philippines — Human rights violations remain persistent under the current administration, activists lamented at rallies commemorating the 52nd anniversary of the declaration of martial law by the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
For the Campaign Against the Return of the Marcoses and Martial Law (CARMMA), President Marcos is replicating the atrocities of his father as human rights violations and violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) continue occurring under his term.
“Over and above his attempts to recreate his father’s mythical ‘golden era’ through projects like the nutribun distribution, the ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ hymn and programs mimicking Masagana 99, Marcos is going down the same destructive path as his father, with extrajudicial killings (EJKs), enforced disappearance and indiscriminate bombings and food blockades being inflicted in rural communities,” CARMMA co-convenor Judy Taguiwalo said.
CARMMA has recorded 105 cases of EJKs, 75 frustrated EJKs, 15 enforced disappearances and 145 illegal arrests and detentions since July 2022.
Taguiwalo said at least 42,426 persons were forcibly evacuated from their homes while there were 63,379 victims of indiscriminate firing allegedly perpetrated by state security forces.
She added that Marcos’ failure to prosecute and fully hold accountable his predecessor, former president Rodrigo Duterte, for his “murderous policies and bloody record” while perpetrating the same policies speaks volumes on the heightened climate of impunity under the current administration.
“The people recognize the tell-tale signs of creeping dictatorship and overwhelmingly denounce them. They cry ‘never again!’ They will not tolerate a tragic repeat by Marcos Jr. of his father’s repressive reign,” she said in a statement.
The martial law era reportedly resulted in 3,257 extrajudicial killings, 35,000 documented tortures, 77 forced disappearances and 70,000 detentions.
Around 700 members of 19 militant groups – including Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, Kilusang Mayo Uno, Migrante, Anakbayan, ACT Teachers, Sanlakas, Bayan Muna, Kadamay and League of Filipino Students – held rallies in various locations in Manila as they remembered the declaration of martial law on Sept. 21, 1972.
The protesters held a program at the intersection of Recto Avenue and San Sebastian Street, a few meters away from Mendiola. It ended around noon when they peacefully dispersed, according to the Manila Police District.