A Martial Law recollection will be held to mark the 52nd anniversary of its imposition in the Philippines at the Bacolod Plaza from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21.
The gathering will highlight testimonies from victims of Martial law and a recollection of its impact on Negros Occidental, said former governor Rafael Coscolluela, co-convenor of the “Balik Tanaw: Halit Sang Martial Law” Negros Campaign.
“The campaign will bring together representatives from civil society organizations and various sectors in the province, and will conclude with a candle-lighting ceremony in honor of the victims of the dictatorial rule,” he said.
It is being organized by civil society groups and individuals in Negros, in line with a call by Tindig Pilipinas and Buhay ang EDSA Movement for a nationwide candle lighting ceremony on Sept. 21, Coscolluela said.
“As we reflect on the dark days of Martial Law in the Philippines, particularly in Negros, it is crucial to acknowledge how time and historical revisionism have dulled or distorted our collective memory,” he said.
Declared on Sept. 21, 1972, the period of Martial Law was marked by political repression, economic plunder, human rights violations, and the curtailment of civil liberties, he said.
“Today, we stand at a crossroads, challenged once again to confront the lessons of this era so that the mistakes of the past will not be repeated,” Coscolluela said.*