Students listening to the main speakers of the forum. Photo by John Paulo Vicencio

A forum about the Martial Law under the term of Ferdinand Marcos with the theme, “Mga Sugilanon sa Kagahapon: Torture Niadto, Torture Karon,” took place last Sept. 21 at the Xavier Hall of the Community Center of the First Companions.

The event emphasized the importance of democracy and human rights to the youth. Furthermore, it also presented the stories of Filipinos who experienced torture during Martial rule.

Notable speakers who shared their experiences during Martial Law included Datu Wilfredo “Tumatabang” Lopez, Agustin Pagusara, Dr. Macario Tiu, and Atty. Janer Sanchez.

The forum was received positively by the participants. Moreover, members of the audience also took part in the conversation. A representative from the LGBT community talked about his past experiences during the time of killings. A BS-Biology student also shared the experiences of her parents and their lives activists.

Before the end of the event, the participants wrote an open letter addressed to Senator Grace Poe and DOJ Secretary Leila Delima about the AIPH Stop Torture Campaign.

Sanchez also left an open message about learning from the past and being involved in the transformation and development of the Philippine society.

The organizers of the event was the Ateneo Public Interest and Legal Advocacy Center (APILA) together with the Amnesty International Philippines-Davao Chapter.