Human rights advocates and relatives pay respect to victims of martial law at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani, in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution, Wednesday. Amid the vice-presidential bid of Senator Bongbong Marcos, the group urged the public to be discerning and vigilant about a possible return to authoritarian rule.(MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) – Victims of martial law were given special honors on the 30th anniversary of the People Power uprising that won for the country its freedom from the dictatorial regime of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos.
During the wreath-laying ceremony at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani (Wall of Remembrance) in Quezon City, the Bantayog Foundation stressed the sacrifices of those who were killed and had died in the struggle to restore our democracy.
“Dito sa Bantayog, inaalala natin ang mga taong nag-alay ng kanilang buhay alang-alang sa demokrasya na ating tinatamasa ngayon,” said Cristina Rodriguez, Bantayog Foundation executive director.
Rodriguez also said that the young should be taught about the hardships during Martial Law, and that they should be encouraged to value the victims’ sacrifices.
Also, she urged people to work together to prevent the return of military rule in our country.
“Layunin ng foundation ay maituro sa kabataan ang mga alala ng mga taong nag-alay ng kanilang buhay para sa kalayaan … at kumilos upang hindi na maulit ang karahasan ng martial law,” she added.
According to her, the Bantayog ng mga Bayani, located at corner of EDSA and Quezon Avenue, is a wall where some of the names of those who died for our freedom are written.
The wall was set up by the Bantayog Foundation established by former Senator Jovito Salonga and some of those who fought against Marcos’ martial rule.
Rodriguez encouraged the youth to know more about the sacrifices and the lives of the victims by visiting the Bantayog website at www.bantayog.org and visit the Bantayog Museum and library. (MNS)