“We should show that we are strong, that we are united here.”

By Wendyl Geronimo 
Davao Today

On the 54th year of Martial Law imposition, students joined nationwide protests calling for remembrance, accountability and action.

They took to the streets despite heightened police presence and recent arrests of protesters.

For some students who joined the 54th anniversary commemoration of Martial Law on September 21, the possibility of arrest was not enough to keep them away from the streets. Instead, they said the risks reinforced the importance of being present.

For Alyssa (surname withheld), a Visual Communication student from the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Fine Arts, joining the commemoration was rooted in the right to speak and remember the victims of the dictatorship. “I think the reason why we are here is because even if there are activists being arrested, we should not be afraid to express our call because it is our right to speak.”

She said that the commemoration should not be reduced to a historical date, pointing to the victims of Martial Law and continuing concerns over the treatment of activists. 

The National Capital Region Police Office placed Metro Manila on full alert, with more than 15,700 personnel deployed for the September 21 activities. Police said that the deployment was intended to maintain public safety while allowing peaceful assemblies.

The heightened security also followed clashes during the previous year’s September 21 demonstrations when police reported arrests and injuries after violence broke out in parts of Manila.

Never forget

For Jake Bitar, a Grade 12 student of City of Mandaluyong High School, the presence of police and reports of arrests did not change his decision to attend. “We are here to show that we are together, that we will not forget,” Bitar said. “I think it’s very important because we are here to study what is really happening. We are here to show that we are not afraid.”

He urged fellow students to remain united despite threats. “Even if we are being threatened or there are many threats, we should be here. We should show that we are strong, that we are united here.”

History amid current protests

This year’s commemoration also became a venue for protests against corruption and demands for government accountability. Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Co highlighted the opportunity to connect the historical legacy of Martial Law with present-day concerns over corruption and accountability. “We remember the widespread human rights violations and corruption that occurred then and continue to this day.”

Co also called for accountability and justice, stressing that the Marcoses have not yet been held accountable and that their ill-gotten wealth has not been fully recovered.

She criticized the heavy police presence surrounding the protests. She said that authorities were prepared to manage demonstrations but were less responsive when it came to demands for accountability from those accused of corruption.

She said that the protesters’ calls would continue despite police barriers and other security measures. “The ranks of police, rows of barbed wire and concrete barriers, or even tear gas and batons cannot stop the anger of thousands of young people who are being robbed of their future.”

Showing up

For Alyssa, participating in mobilizations is a way for students to confront misinformation and better understand the issues being raised. “Fake news is still rampant in social media,” she said, adding that students should participate in organizations and mobilizations so they can better understand what they are fighting for and what their rights are.

“We are here to speak up for the issues that are happening in our country,” Bitar said.

For them, remembering Martial Law means more than recalling what happened 54 years ago. (Reposted by Bulatlat) (AMU, DAA)