Unfolding an Awakened New Era
- Liahona Fe Hoo Abejar
- Sep 21, 2022
- 2 min read
Almost fifty years have passed since the "Dark Chapter in Philippine History," as people who have stood the test of time would call, procured the deaths of our kababayans who only sought freedom from dictatorship, which the government deprived them. Every 21st of September, Filipinos remember the horrid circumstance of abuse and infringement of human rights that was evident in the lives of those who perished. Even with those who remain in this world, the trauma is imprinted in their memories. Martial Law continues to mark the essence of knowing one's rights and fighting for them as those in large stature may at times think highly of themselves, leading the cycle to perpetuate again. As today marks the 50th anniversary since the implementation of Martial Law, let us reminisce the happenings that did not only surround Luzon, as what historians and History books would primarily focus but in the region where people do not talk much about— the Visayas, specifically in Cebu.
Myths continually spread seamlessly about the opposition of the Marcos regime, being limited to only a few groups in Metro Manila. Among the many parts of the Philippines, Cebu debunks these claims as it was one of the epicenters of protests against the Marcos dictatorship. Cebu was the site of student activism as they sought a solution to the intensifying crisis of the Philippine economy, tuition fee hikes, and many others. During Martial Law, Marcos' allies dominated Cebu's local political positions until the Interim National Assembly elections last April 1978. The Pusyon Bisaya, an opposition party, won thirteen local assembly seats against the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL), a Marcos ally party, which sparked the propagation of anti-Marcos sentiments during Martial Law.
The protest movement in Cebu further intensified after Ninoy Aquino's assassination with weekly protests at Fuente Osmeña with crowds of up to 10,000 people. Moreover, a significant case during Martial Law was the abduction of Fr. Romano in Brgy. Tisa, Cebu City by suspected military agents. Fr. Romano was among those who opposed Marcos' dictatorship as he helped organize protests against the dictator and his allies. During the People Power Revolution, thousands of Cebuanos joined Corazon Aquino in a rally at Fuente Osmeña against Marcos tampering with the snap elections.
The myths may continue to spread, altering people's minds with misinformation. Nonetheless, the experiences of Filipinos who have stood the test of time from this tyrannical event cannot simply be eradicated by those who sought their names to be cleansed from filth. The people have spoken, and so shall we let them speak without constraint. As today, the 21st of September 2022, marks the 50th anniversary of Martial Law, we honor the lives lost because of oppression and those who remain in this world still haunted by the traumatic events supplemented by the abuse of those in power. May we unfold an awakened new era where social awareness is mitigated, and citizens do not compromise fear and silence to mediate over the injustices in society.
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