“Hero or not, Marcos was a soldier.” This was President Rodrigo Duterte’s justification for granting the late dictator a place at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. His decision was received with protest and outrage by a great majority of the Filipino citizens. Photo taken from AFP/Getty Images

In response to President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to grant the late dictator and former president Ferdinand Marcos a hero’s burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, martial law victims and students of the Ateneo de Davao University convened at the school’s Ricci Hall for a forum regarding the matter last Aug. 24.

Pinag-isang Lakas ng mga Progresibong Atenista (PIGLASAPAT), which organized the event, invited Martial Law victim and survivor Bro. Carlito Gaspar Ph.D CSsR as one of the main speakers. Gaspar remains outspoken with his opinion against the Marcoses until this day.

“ We should ask ourselves these questions, is this a person (Marcos) you should follow? Is he someone we can be proud of?” Gaspar shared during the discussions.

In an interview with Atenews, Gaspar said that the decision of whom should be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani is a decision that should be agreed upon the majority of the Filipino citizens.

“By its very name, we should make sure only those that the Filipino people consider a bayani will be provided the privilege of having their resting peace there. ”

Students considered the event as enlightening. Third year Business and Management student Cecilia Carpio shared her sentiments.

“I don’t agree with the Marcos’ burial in the Libingan ng Bayani because of the widespread Human Right’s violation during his time. Regardless if he “meets” the requisites to allow his burial there, I’m sure that many would agree that he was not a hero.”

She also shared that the event was lively and participants actively listened to the different stories and point of views shared by the speakers.