This column may contain strong language, sexual content, adult humor, and other themes that may not be suitable for minors. Parental guidance is strongly advised.
Yesterday was the 34th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, the day when our country finally escaped the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
Usually, we celebrate this by commemorating those who have fought hard to make it happen. But as many as there were who fought against the tyranny back then, in doing so there were some who got caught by the government.
We shouldn’t forget about these women because they’ve fought hard for our country. Remembering them is one way to protect our democracy.
Hilda Narciso
A church worker who happened to be at the wrong place and time, Narciso was arrested while visiting a German pastor. After she was brought to a “safe house,” she was repeatedly gang-raped by the men who imprisoned her. She tried to file a case against them as soon as she could, but the case was dropped due to “lack of evidence.”
Etta Rosales
Etta Rosales is the former chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights who suffered greatly during Martial Law. She had been vocal about her opposition against the Marcos regime, singing patriotic songs around the streets of Manila. She was arrested two times—being subjected to torture during her second arrest. She was suffocated with a belt, stripped, subjected to the Russian roulette and was water cured multiple times; she was also electrocuted.
Judy Taguiwalo
Former DSWD Secretary Judy Taguiwalo and Bayan Muna president Satur Ocampo, who were both political detainees during martial law, lead today’s protests as the Marcos family attends a mass inside the heroes’ cemetery. | @MatthewINQ pic.twitter.com/QBOmJ58EKH
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 11, 2018
Being open about her resistance against Martial Law, Taguiwalo spent three years detained in different prisons. She was subjected to water torture and was made to sit naked on a block of ice.
These women are just some of the many victims during those dark times. Most of them aren’t with us anymore like the women above—who live to tell their tale up to this day. May we never forget the sacrifices these women made and push for a future that doesn’t tolerate this kind of injustice.
Photo courtesy of Inquirer.net
Follow Preen on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Viber
Related Stories:
Did Mak Tumang throw shade at Imee Marcos with this SONA dress?
Kris Aquino says she’s open to a conversation with Imee Marcos
‘The Kingmaker’ director compares the Marcoses to the Trumps
Don’t let anyone change martial law history—not even the Marcoses
