Hundreds "walk for freedom" to remember Ninoy's death

CEBU, Philippines - About 29 years ago, the first resistance against the tyrannical rule of the Marcos regime marched from Mactan shrine in Lapu-Lapu City to Plaza Independencia to express dissent to the ways of the dictator.

Yesterday, hundreds of Cebu City Hall employees, barangay employees, students and other concerned groups marched from Fuente Osmeña to Plaza Independencia to remember one unfortunate event that ironically became a major turning point in the history of the country – the death of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. that led to EDSA Revolution and the ouster of then president Ferdinand Marcos.

The August Twenty One Movement (ATOM) Celebration ended with a “Walk for Freedom” that aim to show the whole nation that Cebu has not forgotten the sacrifices made by the former senator and “hero” just so the country and the Filipinos will be free from tyranny.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, who spearheaded the event, said yesterday’s activity was a way to remind everyone of the principles that Aquino fought for and the reason why he believes Filipinos are worth dying for.

Rama said that as much as the nation almost shed blood to attain freedom, the fight for absolute freedom from corruption, injustices and other elements that flaw the system must continue so as not to waste the democracy that Aquino gave the Filipinos. This fight need everybody’s share, Rama said.

“Ayaw usiki ang demokrasya nga atong natagamtam (Don’t waste the democracy that we enjoy). Lets us reflect and ask ourselves, what have we done for our country? Have we been a problem or an asset? Are we deserving of Ninoy’s death?” Rama said in his speech.

Rama said that democracy stays alive if people will maintain vigilance just like what those who joined the EDSA revolution have in mind back in the time when everybody still cares.

Lawyer and Former Vice Governor Democrito Barcenas, who was a political prisoner of Marcos, said that the public should not forget the sacrifices made by Aquino and instead keep his principles alive. — (FREEMAN)