Tatlumpu’t walong taon matapos ang “People Power” (pati na ang pagtatapos ng aming Batch 1986 noong high school), nakatago pa ang mga medalya at sariwa pa ang alaala ng pakikibaka. Pinakamalaking karangalan ang mamulat sa katotohanan ng karanasan, pati na ang pagsisimula ng pagsisilbi sa bayan. Kumpara sa mga medalya, hinding-hindi ito kukupas.
To recall, the two activists, Jhed Tamano and Jonila Castro, both in their early 20s, were kidnapped and held in secret custody for 17 days in September last year. Presented at a press conference purportedly to announce that they had surrendered, the two instead accused the military of abducting them. Taken by surprise, the authorities were shocked into releasing them pronto.
Nauso kamakailan ang mga katagang ‘Kung gusto mong gulatin, manlibre ka!’ ‘Kung gusto mong gulatin, magsimba ka!’ ‘Kung gusto mong gulatin, mag madre ka!’ at kung ano ano pa, pero kung gusto mong talagang magulat, mamalengke ka!
While the police did not cite any specific violations in Laguna, they took photos of the delegation’s jeep license plates and drivers’ licenses and did not allow the delegation to pass through the checkpoints.
“This is a clear violation of human rights, especially since the police clearly stated that their actions were for the upcoming anniversary of the EDSA uprising anniversary. Their posturing value of ‘public safety’ is a direct attack on the right to express calls against moves to amend the Constitution, which is the theme of the EDSA anniversary mobilization,” said BAYAN Southern Tagalog.
Given the constraints they face, political prisoners deserve our utmost respect for choosing defiance instead of compromise and collaboration with the class enemy. They provide a dignified example of how to live a life devoted to the cause of fighting with the oppressed. Their activism is demonized and criminalized by those who see no evil in the obscene hoarding of the nation’s wealth by the elite and the exploitation of the poor and powerless by those in power.
By DEE AYROSO
On the second death anniversary of volunteer teacher for the Lumad, Chad Booc, his closest friends recalled his words and the life he lived. His selflessness continues to inspire many others to serve the marginalized and oppressed.
“Corruption & poverty are the main reasons why we lag behind economically and politically. These problems are not created by the 1987 Constitution, but by greedy politicians who control power and money for their self-interests.”
In a joint statement, Castro and Tamano emphasized that the Office of the Solicitor General appealed the decision of the Supreme Court to grant them the legal remedies.
By DEE AYROSO