Martial Law survivors, human rights defenders prepare for Sept. 21 protest

Martial Law survivors and human rights defenders will hold a protest on Saturday, September 21 to commemorate the declaration of martial rule by the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. 52 years ago.

This was announced during a press conference on Tuesday presented by activist nun Sister Mary John Mananzan, human rights activist Tony La Viña, filmmaker JL Burgos, and groups such as Bayan, Karapatan and Tanggol Kasaysayan.

A program will be held at the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila before holding the protest along Mendiola Street near Malacanang Palace.

The multi-sectoral personalities asked the police to allow them to conduct the rally.

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. earlier said that apologizing to the human rights victims under Martial Law declared by his father in 1972 is "a personal matter to the Marcos family.”

He noted that his “role as President is more important right now than my role as a member of the Marcos family."

According to data from the Human Rights Victims’ Memorial Commission (HRVMC), more than 11,103 victims suffered from violations of human rights.

A total of 2,326 victims of enforced disappearance or the Desaparecido was recorded during the period.

Despite the delays in the construction of the two-storey Freedom Memorial Museum, which seeks to honor all the victims, the HRVMC said that there is no order from the Marcos administration to stop the project.

The Commission on Human Rights said the construction of the museum is set to begin in December.
—Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News