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'11,103,' a documentary on Martial Law survivors, calls on the youth to never stop fighting for truth


On the 50th anniversary of Martial Law in the Philippines, Filipinos all over the world took the time to look back and remember the pain and suffering it has caused the country.

This includes survivors, who were brave enough to recall what they would call a dark time in their lives. Through the documentary "11,103," they relive their pain and struggles to send a message to everyone, especially to the youth.

Featuring real life stories, artist collective Dakila's secretary general Leni Velasco said "this film is the biggest threat to the massive lies and historical distortion" surrounding Martial Law.

Among those who bared what they had gone through in the documentary include Mariam Kanda and Cris Palabay. With lies surrounding that era, they stand up to set the record straight.

"Ngayon, lalong-lalo na sa mga kabataan, hiling ko sa inyo ay tingnan n'yo nang mabuti kung ano ang pinanggalingan natin," said Kanda during the premiere at the 10th Active Vista Human Rights Festival.

("Now, especially to the youth, I wish for you to look closely on where we came from.")

"'Di mabubura ang katotohanan, ang kasaysayan. Kahit anong gawin nila, lalabas 'yan,” Palabay added. "Naniniwala ako na ang sambayanang Pilipino ay may kaisipan na tama, hindi mabubura."

("Truth, history, cannot be erased. No matter what they do, it will come out. I believe that the Filipino people has a moral conscience that will never be erased.")

With time continuously passing, they believe it's time to pass the torch to this generation. This is the only way they can continue to fight for the truth.

"Lumaban sa kung ano mang paraan," Palabay said. "Dapat ipagpatuloy kasi kung hindi makukuha ang hustisya, hindi mananaig ang bansa. Tuloy ang pagkala ng hustisya, demokrasya, kasaganahan."

("Fight in whatever way you can. It should be continued because if justice won't be achieved, the country won't prevail. Continue fighting for justice, democracy, and prosperity.")

"Tingin ko, kung tayo'y 'di mananahimik, patuloy ang pag-kwento, pakikibaka, dadating ang panahon na tayo rin ay magiging malaya, masagana, at magkakaron ng tunay na demokrasya."

("I believe that if we won't remain silent, we keep telling stories and fight, the time will come that we will be free, prosperous, and there will be true democracy.")

Their fight for the truth also comes with holding accountable for their actions. Kanda said they are still looking for healing and peace.

"Hanggang ngayon, umiiyak at sumisigaw pa rin kami kung nasaan na ba ang puwedeng managot at magpakita man lang ng concern," she said. "Hindi pa kami nakakalimot."

("Until now, we cry and shout on who should be held into account and to show concern. We haven't forgotten.")

"11,103" is directed by Mike Alcazaren and Jeannette Ifurung, and produced by Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala. Check out the screening schedule here.

—MGP, GMA News

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