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Philippines: Ex-martial law detainees to campaign vs Marcoses

Lira Dalangin-Fernandez | 10.04.2010 00:47 | Anti-militarism | Repression | Social Struggles | World

MANILA, Philippines – Activists who were detained during martial law condemned the attempt of the Marcos family to return to power through the May elections.








The Samahan ng mga Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detensyon at para sa Amnestiya (SELDA or Society of Ex-Detainees Against Detention and for Amnesty) said it was like the Marcos family was never responsible for the death and torture of thousands of activists during their term.

“We are aghast at their utter display of nonchalance, for them, nothing bad was committed during their reign, it is like they never and were never responsible for the death, torture and incarceration of thousands of Filipinos during martial law," said Marie Hilao-Enriquez, Selda secretary-general.

Former First Lady Imelda Marcos is seeking a congressional post in Ilocos Norte, Imee Marcos is running for governor of the province, and incumbent Ilocos Norte Representative Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is aiming for a senatorial seat.

According to Selda, at least 3,257 were killed during the Marcos dictatorship from 1972 to 1986.

At least 737 were disappeared and were still missing until today, Enriquez said.

Enriquez's sister, Liliosa Hilao, was the first woman political detainee killed under Martial Law in 1973.

Enriquez and her husband were also imprisoned.

Some 10,000 victims of human rights during the Marcos years have filed cases in court for indemnification but they have yet to get justice.

"We cannot just forget and allow them to govern. Will Bongbong Marcos return to the people their family’s ill gotten wealth? Can he even have the humility to admit to the human rights violations committed during martial law?" Enriquez said in a statement.

She said the group would do all it could to campaign against Bongbong Marcos and the rest of the family seeking election in May.

Lira Dalangin-Fernandez