2004: The Year in Photos 

From violent electoral campaigns to fraudulent polls, from socio-political unrest to the release of New People’s Army (NPA) prisoners of war to hunger and poverty, from state-sponsored violence against the people to calamities – these were all highlights of 2004. Here it is, 2004 in photos as seen through the lens of the people behind Bulatlat.

By Bulatlat 

The year 2004 was a very tumultuous one, to say the least. From violent electoral campaigns to fraudulent polls, from socio-political unrest to the release of New People’s Army (NPA) prisoners of war to hunger and poverty, from state-sponsored violence against the people to calamities – these were all highlights of 2004. 

Bulatlat had stories on the many explosive events of the year. But stories, however detailed they may be, don’t always tell the full story – even if they manage to capture all the main points, all the most important data and details. 

It is in the photos that accompany a story where the feel of a particular moment is captured, where the human faces behind an issue are revealed.

Bulatlat has put together in this piece photos taken by its reporters and contributors which best capture the highlights of the turbulent 2004. Here it is, 2004 in photos as seen through the lens of the people behind Bulatlat. TEXT BY ALEXANDER MARTIN REMOLLINO

Funeral march for slain human rights lawyer Juvy Magsino of Bayan Muna in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, February.

Photo by Carlos H. Conde

Cops caught in the act poring over election documents in Baguio City, May.                       Photo by Marlon Gomarcho / Northern Dispatch

1^st Lt. Ronaldo Fedelino sings a farewell song for his NPA custodians
in Bicol, August 18.                                  Photo by Dabet Castañeda

Police dispersal of multi-sectoral rally calling for pull-out of Philippine troops from Iraq to save the life of overseas worker Angelo de la Cruz, July 13.                                        Photo courtesy of Arkibong Bayan

Activists burn “vulture” effigy of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at rally on her State of the Nation Address, July 26.

Photo by Aubrey SC Makilan

Life along the railway, Caloocan City (northern Metro Manila).

Photo by Dabet Castañeda

Coachman remains calm, unaffected by passenger’s fidgeting as horse wades through flooded San Fernando City, Pampanga north of Manila, July.     

Photo courtesy of the Citizens Disaster Response Center

GSIS employee prays the rosary during state employees’ protest against president and general manager Winston Garcia’s alleged malversation of funds, June.                                             Photo by Dabet Castañeda

Baguio journalists raise fists during an indignation rally against the killing of photojournalist Gene Boyd Lumawag, November.

Photo by Ace Alegre

Strikers protect barricade at Hacienda Luisita, November.

Photo by Jes Aznar

Boys check out the field – scene of the Nov. 16 Hacienda Luisita massacre, November.                                          Photo by Jes Aznar

Relatives of slain Hacienda Luisita striker wail in grief at burial rites, November.                                                         Photo by Jes Aznar

Timber cascade toward the shores of Quezon province during typhoon, November.

Photo courtesy of the Citizens Disaster Response Center

FPJ supporter at the actor and ex-presidential candidate’s funeral, Sto. Domingo Church, Quezon City, December.

Photo courtesy of Arkibong Bayan

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