Militant groups commemorate martial law declaration

ILOILO CITY, Philippines – Headed by the Panay Alliance – Karapatan, at least 300 members of the different sectors have gathered at the Iloilo Museo yesterday (Sept. 21) afternoon and marched to Iloilo Plazoletagay to commemorate the declaration of Martial Law and reminisce the hardship that some of them experienced during that time.

As an activist in the dark years of Ferdinand Marcos’ martial law, Jose Ely Garachico, also known as Leeboy to his fellows, was present at the activity. He recalled how he was arrested first in September 1979 and then, with his wife Tessie Chua, in October 1981.

Garachico said the torture that they underwent in the hands of the then Philippine Constabulary could not be erased no matter how much time pass through after being detained for about three years until 1983.

Upon release, he spent time with his family at Tubungan town, 40 kilometers from Iloilo City, helping in their small farm while caring for their three kids. His wife then volunteered to work for Kapatid, an organization of relatives of political prisoners.

At present, Garachico is a human rights advocate connected with the Panay Alliance based in Iloilo City under the national network of Karapatan. He is also involved with the Iloilo Legal Assistance Center (ILAC), a legal-based group that assists with legal needs of poor people.

Meanwhile, Reylan Vergara, secretary-general of Panay Alliance–Karapatan said the activity was also a way to express their demand for the release of their comrades who are now in prison as political detainees.

He believed the Aquino administration will grant their demand considering that the president’s family also suffered the same fate during martial law in 1972.

Vergara said that in Iloilo province, there are six political detainees: Jojie Belo, Jose Gabion,Joemer Begayo, James Latumba, Bernard Gicalao and Dennis Dote. All are now facing charges of rebellion. (FREEMAN)