Martial law anniversary: Progressive groups in Cebu hold a protest march, rally

Progressive groups in Cebu call to end terrorism, attacks, and express their concerns about the government during the 51st anniversary of since the declaration of Martial Law. | CDN File Photo by Niña Mae Oliverio

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Members from the different progressive groups in Cebu led by BAYAN-Central Visayas held a protest rally on the 51st anniversary of the Martial Law declaration on Thursday, September 21, 2023.

Cebu-based labor unions, youth, and student organizations brought with them their call bannering, “Martial Law Kaniadto, Terror Law karon.”

The protest march spanned almost three hours, starting at the Fuente Osmeña and ending downtown in Colon Street, Cebu City.

The rallyists also stopped in front of the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7) compound, where they placed props that represented cadavers covered in a black garbage bag.

OVP confidential funds

Jaime Paglinawan, chairperson of BAYAN Central Visayas, said that one of the concerns they express in this year’s protest is the confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President (OVP).

“Dili tagaan og mga confidential fund o intelligence fund labi na atong president ug bise presidente,” he said.

Besides that, Paglinawan said the other call that the rallyists expressed was the occurrence of harassments, attacks, and abductions among others.

Because of the reports on killings, especially on the abduction of the two environmentalists in Bataan this month, Paglinawan wants to abolish the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

The government organized the NTF-ELCAC to combat the communist rebellion in the Philippines.

He believes that the NTF-ELCAC has become an instrument of harassment.

“Kinahanglan nga atong ipaabot labi na sa kabataan ang horror nga effect sa martial law ug padayon kining balaodnon sa diktatura, padayon kini naka epekto sa atong nasud,” he said.

Paglinawan added that the government might choose not to listen to their calls and sentiments but they still want to continue their calls in addressing social concerns.

“Pero ato ning ipaabot sa katawhang Pilipino nga kinahanglan kanunayng lab-ason nato at the same time supakon nato ang terorista pamaagi sa atong gobyerno karon hilabi na nangayo sila’g dakong pundo para gamiton pag terrorize sa katawhang Pilipino,” he said.

As estimated 120 members from the different progressive groups took part in the activity on Thursday, which ended peacefully.

Among the groups who participated were Karapatan Central Visayas, Kabataan Partylist, National Union of People’s Lawyers, Anakbayan, Kilusang Magbubukid Cebu Chapter, Alyansa sa mga Mamumuo sa Sugbo-Kilusang Mayo Uno, Carbonhanong Alyansa, Punyog Partylist, Anakbayan Cebu, among others.

/bmjo

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