Central Echo (CE): What was the atmosphere during martial law? Was it really a period of fear, or of prosperity as what the elders say?
Me: It depends on one’s perspective. Those who were apolitical or apathetic with the realities in the society were not necessarily affected. They may even felt relative peace and order. But those who were concerned with human rights experienced the brunt of dictatorial rule that used the military establishment to quell any form of protest against excesses/abuses of the regime or even a simple concern with human rights. I have experienced both worlds.
During the declaration, I was studying in bible school in Bacolod City. Except for the initial fear of the unknown, the period was never a big deal for me being apolitical at that time due to my religious orientation which was more concerned about salvation of the soul. It was a decade later when I studied at CPU that my consciousness was raised and subsequently involved in human rights issues. That was when I witnessed the harsh realities of that period. There was a rampant violation of human rights. A dangerous time for any defender of human rights, who was considered a suspect of subversion. Something really to fear.
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CE: During the investiture of then CPU president Rex Drilon, how did Centralians welcome the arrival of Marcos for the ceremonies?
Me: I was not in CPU yet during that period. But I heard that the University had its share of student activism. Some claimed CPU was once a hotbed of activism- some renown leaders were sons of the University personnel/ Baptist leaders like the Ortigas and De la Fuente brothers.
CE: Were there any significant incidences during this period? For, instance witch hunts against rebels or widespread arrests on campus.
Me: My focus was with the religious sector at that time, mostly outside the University. Although I had some coordination with the student activists on campus. But despite my seemingly low profile on campus, I was still included in the list of blacklisted students. Because at that time, your presence in any rally, protest action or even forum/symposium discussing realities would qualify you to the list. Thereafter, military agents or civilian informer would tail you or put you under surveillance. Some even enrolled in schools for that purpose to the extent that lectures related to realities and human rights were monitored.
One significant thing I remember as far as CPU is concerned was the revival or restoration of the CPU Republic in the first quarter of 1980s – an off shot of students mobilization towards that end. I think the first election was won by activists who organized the Pangmasa Party which later coalesce with seemingly moderate leaders of rival party, the Alliance of Democratic Students (ADS). It gave birth to one of the longest political party in CPUR i.e. Koalisyon.
Red scare and witch hunting were rampant and widespread. Since the declaration of martial law was premised on the threat of communist insurgency, any form of opposition to the regime was associated with it to justify their adverse action. Even the revolutionary movement was not spared from deep penetration agents. There were those who joined the movement, not necessarily because of conviction but to penetrate the mainstream of the movement, being military agents. In our case in the religious sectors, we have pastor friends who confessed later that they were military assets tasked to monitor our activities.
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Me: Many. In fact, a close friend experienced torture after being arrested by the military. He was exposed naked in front of torturers to humiliate him. Left naked in an air conditioned room and underwent both psychological and physical abuses.
CE: I learned that you have joined the New People's Army (NPA). How did you arrive to that decision? Did you have any regrets thereafter?
Me: No, I did not join the NPA. I won’t be qualified even if I did as I have been uncomfortable with guns or armed struggle. But I was part of the underground movement (by necessity) representing the religious sector . There was little option at that time for those who earnestly wanted to serve the people by going against the tide.
My political conversion took place in the 1st quarter of 1980 while doing pastoral ministry to political detainees in Camp Delgado. Raised up in seemingly apolitical environment, my primary motivation was to witness for Christ.
Ironically, I found myself converted to their commitment, dedication, courage and strong resolve in the service of people. I felt humbled to think that these people who were not so much concerned about their faith in God or the lack of it have this kind of love to the least of Christ’s brothers and sisters. Unlike us we who confessed and professed to be followers of Christ but failed to put such faith into practice.
Thereafter, I became interested in studying Philippine realities, attending symposium, forum on human rights, joining prayer rallies, organizing seminarians and pastors. At times, I enrolled part-time in the seminary to have more time doing volunteer work in church-related organizations with solidarity program for the poor. In 1984, with only one semester left before graduation, I decided to work full time during the intensification of the people’s struggle until the EDSA Revolution in 1986. At that time, I no longer saw the meaning of my studies to the situation of the country. I wanted to serve the people. So I went where they were.
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EDSA 27 YEARS AFTER A man flashes the Laban sign, symbol
of the fight against
the Marcos dictatorship, as confetti rains on the Edsa
People Power Monument
during the commemoration of the 27th anniversary of the
civilian-backed
military revolt that toppled the Marcos regime.
Credit :
www.inquirer.net and RICHARD A. REYES
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However, knowing that my motivation for such involvement was basically out of Christian conviction, I did not see any reason to regret. Especially, that God has given me the opportunity to witness how Filipinos and even my children enjoy the restored democracy. I feel the sense of fulfillment and pride in having participated in the struggle of the people during that darkest period of history. In fact, my previous experience has become my source of strength. For every time I encounter crises, harsh or difficult situations in life, I would look back to such experience and assure myself that: if God has made me survived in such critical times, there is no reason why I cannot cope up with any other circumstance in life.
CE: After martial law and the fall of the Marcos regime, how, do you think, should Filipinos do so that such an event shall never resurface?
Me: The problem before was that the response of many was sporadic and some much delayed. Only few stood up in the early part of Martial Law. Hence, their protests were easily contained , some were silenced either by arrest, isolation or termination. Many succumbed to the red scare tactic to neutralize legitimate opposition. So the repressive regime had all the time to perpetuate their control.
To avoid the repeat of the dark past, we should get involved in the early stage of repression or human rights violation. Just like what you did in the latest issue of Central Echo where you voluntarily shut your mouth as protest to the provisions of Anti Cybercrime Law that violate civil liberties. Let us stand up to be counted or forever hold our peace.
As Martin Niemöller, a German anti-Nazi theologian and Lutheran pastor, beautifully described in his best known "First they came...” which became popular among church people during the Martial Law period:
When the Nazis came for the communists,
I remained silent;
I was not a communist.
When they locked up the social democrats,
I remained silent;
I was not a social democrat.
When they came for the trade unionists,
I did not speak out;
I was not a trade unionist.
When they came for the Jews,
I remained silent;
I wasn't a Jew.
When they came for me,
there was no one left to speak out.
