By Jose Emmanuel A Mayor, NSTP1ACB
On 21 November 2023, Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan collaborated with the General Education and Interdisciplinary Studies Department, Human Rights Violations Victims’ Memorial Commission (HRVVMC), DAKILA, Active Vista, Storytellers International Inc, and Xavier University-National Service Training Program to host the screening of the film 11,103 at the XU Little Theater. 11,103 is a documentary film about the Martial Law survivors in the Philippines, directed by Jeannette Ifurung and Miguel Alcarazen, and shown to commemorate the declaration of martial law in 1972.
This documentary is a powerful medium for storytelling that aims to authentically preserve the diverse experiences of Martial Law victims, providing a platform to share their narratives and unveil the truth. According to HRVVMC history researchers Mr Reginald Coloma and Mr Tan Ngundian, “it is strategic to share these stories with students, educators, and teachers as they serve to bridge generational gaps and stimulate societal and political change within our community.”
The university also aims to dispel biases and misconceptions surrounding martial law. Ms Victoria Melissa C Pulido, a formator of the Service Learning Program at XU, emphasized fostering empathy for those with firsthand experiences during the dictatorship. Consequently, emphasizing education becomes pivotal for government reform. By ensuring that individuals are morally and ethically informed about martial law, we pave the way to holding those in power accountable for their actions.
Before the film screening, Ms Meah Gabe, a BS Accountancy student, knew that former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr enforced martial law in the Philippines. She gained a deeper understanding of its impact through the film. She emphasized the role of the film in raising awareness about human rights violations, particularly those affecting the minority sector and those who choose to turn a blind eye. The blind, guided only by voices, can never truly identify the villain without opening their eyes to the harsh realities depicted in such narratives.
While civil turmoil and heightened mobilization preceded the imposition of martial law in September 1972, there is limited evidence supporting the idea of widespread anarchy or chaos justifying such a declaration. Furthermore, the initiation of the People’s War by the CPP-NPA around the same time did not present an immediate threat to the Republic. McKenna (1988) proposed that the imposition of martial law was the direct cause, rather than the consequence, of an armed Muslim insurgency against the Philippine State, challenging the notion of an impending secessionist rebellion.
Mr Aleck Condes and Mr Aldrin Dayata, BS Accountancy, and AB International Studies students, further elaborated that attempts to alter historical information undermine the justice owed to those significantly impacted by past events. Resisting historical revisionism is a commitment to upholding truth, justice, and solidarity—a collective endeavor rather than an individual struggle. It is crucial to adopt a proactive, not merely reactive, approach to safeguarding the integrity of our community. Embracing inclusivity while remaining open to new ideas requires patience and restraint in understanding differing perspectives. The validity of truth hinges on factual support, emphasizing the need to ensure its presence in mainstream discourse.
Furthermore, it is crucial to acknowledge that the government officially recognizes 11,103 documented victims. However, an alarming 64,000–65,000 individuals, approximately undocumented and affected by martial law, remain overlooked. Only 15% of the victims have received reparations, leaving the remaining 85% burdened with the enduring agony of the atrocities they suffered during that era. Regrettably, in Mindanao, our reported cases fall below 1%, underscoring the significant underreporting issue.
Our power to shape the future lies within our hands. Let the truth overpower everything that no selfish temptations can subdue our nation.