In anticipation of the 53rd martial law anniversary, human rights groups urged Ateneans to uphold the Ignatian value of being “persons for others” amid intensified calls for justice and accountability.

With President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. seated decades after the end of his father’s bloody regime, the same issues of corruption, repression, and human rights violations continue to plague the country’s political and social climate today.

Arrupe Volunteer and Blue Knights for Human Rights (BKHR) Convener Algene Lago asserted that the present administration has imposed stronger “mechanisms” and “machineries” to suppress dissent and justify corruption.

“It’s more pronounced because we have laws that are actually established to empower these anomalies, such as the anti-terror law, the establishment of NTF-ELCAC.” 

Anakbayan Jacinto Chairperson Jian Alison Paculaba stressed the importance of participating in mass organizations and mobilizations, true to Ignatian values of becoming “persons for others” and “having faith that does justice.”

“We also need to ponder more, and question ourselves as well, kung ano din yung gagawin natin, and it actually starts in the very smallest way of participating, joining, calling for accountability, and engaging to create social justice and social equality in our community,” Paculaba said.

Gabriela Youth Jacinto Coordinator Fatimah Guiani pointed out that the state atrocities presently come in the form of a “war on propaganda” as the administration continuously terrorizes activists, violating the constitutional right to assembly.

“Pinapalaganap na nila yun sa masang Pilipino na kalaban tayo ng bayan which is hindi… kailangan ma-recognize nila na unconstitutional ang ginagawa nila lalo na sa mga studyanteng aktibista kasi right naman natin yun to assemble.”

Paculaba further emphasized the need to demand accountability from those in power and to prioritize the provision of basic social services.

“Yung pondong ginagamit sa ghost projects, sa confidential funds, sa mga travels ng politician natin ay dapat nakasentro siya sa edukasyon, sa healthcare natin at sa ibang social basic services.”

Lago urges the need for cooperation between sectoral representatives and the administration to form dialogues and lobby for reforms that will truly benefit the Filipinos.

The Blue Movement Picket Rally led by BKHR alliance gathered on September 19 at the Sunken Garden, Ateneo de Davao University.