Auxilium Toling-Olayer (third from left) and Francisco “Bimbo” Fernandez (fourth from left) joined in the ceremonial ground breaking of the marker which will soon rise beside the existing Martial Law memorial marker inside the Plaza Independencia. (CDN PHOTO/JUNJIE MENDOZA)
A marker recognizing Cebuano martyrs and survivors of Martial Law will soon rise at the Plaza Independencia.
Anti-Marcos groups led the ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony of the marker after Wednesday morning’s protest rally dubbed “Cebu Rages Against Tyranny,” which was part of a simultaneous nationwide protest against the burial of the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB).
“We still need approval from city hall. This can be a collaborative effort between the city and the anti-Marcos groups. Definitely, we will follow the process,” said former Cebu City Councilor Alvin Dizon, who is among the organizers, on the construction of the marker.
He said they plan to erect it beside the existing Martial Law memorial marker inside the Plaza Independencia if the city hall approves.
The marker will honor Martial Law martyrs and Martial law survivors worthy of emulation.
Nenita “Inday Nita” Cortes Daluz, Fr. Rosalio “Rudy” Romano, lawyer Vicente Balbuena, Professor Evelyn Neri, Ribomapil “Dodong” Holganza Sr., Fr. Luis “Louie” Hechanova and lawyer Valentino Legaspi will be honored as Martial Law martyrs.
On the other hand, Auxilium Toling-Olayer, Francisco “Bimbo” Fernandez, retired Cebu Regional Trial Court Judge Meinrado Paredes, Professor Zenaida Uy, former senator Sergio Osmeña III, Fr. Emi Maningo, Ruben Diaz and lawyer Democrito Barcenas will be honored as Martial Law survivors worthy of emulation.
Some of the survivors that were present during this morning’s activity included Olayer, Fernandez, Paredes and Barcenas.
Each of the survivors gave short speeches recalling their experiences during Martial Law and expressed gratitude for having their efforts during the Marcos dictatorship recognized.
They also encouraged the youth who were present during the rally to continue fighting for real democracy.