Marker for Martial Law “martyrs, survivors” up soon

CEBU, Philippines - A marker honoring the "martyrs and survivors" of Martial Law will be erected at the Plaza Independencia.

The groundbreaking of what will be called the Cebu Martial Law Heroes' Monument was one of the highlights of yesterday's anti-Marcos activities in Cebu.

Activist and former Cebu City Councilor Alvin Dizon said he will help seek funding for the marker together with the city government.

"Definitely mosunod gyod ta sa process. We will seek the approval from CHAC and the City Council. In principle, okay napod si Mayor Tommy Osmeña aning marker," he said.

Dizon said he will ask City Councilor Margarita Osmeña to sponsor the resolution approving the installation of the marker.

Dizon said the initial proposal was to place the marker near the Martial Law memorial marker also at Plaza Independencia.

Judge Meinrado Paredes, a Martial Law survivor, said the Search Committee for Cebu Martyrs and Survivors of Martial Law voted from 30 Cebuano nominees "whose bravery and courage and their love for freedom are all worthy of emulation for the generation of today."

The 15 names that will be included in the marker, so far, are those of Nenita "Inday Nita" Daluz, Fr. Rosalio Romano, Vicente Balbuena, Evelyn Neri, Ribomapil Hongaza, Sr., Fr. Louie Hechanova, and Valentino Legaspi.

The Martial Law Survivors "Worthy of Emulation" are Paredes, Senator Sergio Osmeña III, Auxilium Olayer, Francisco Fernandez, Atty. Democrito Barcenas, Zenaida Uy, Fr. Ermi Maningo, and Ruben Diaz.

Paredes said the martyrs and survivors were chosen regardless of political and ideological inclinations.

He said another set of names will be declared next year.

"The Search Committee believes that by honoring these Cebuanos who fought the dictator Marcos, those who died and those who survived to continue the fight will exemplify who the real heroes are. This will provide the correct historical perspective of those dark days of the Philippine current history," the statement of Cebu Martyrs reads.

Paredes said the search committee is composed of representatives of various anti-Marcos groups.

Paredes said it is important to cascade stories of Martial Law from generation to generation to fight the resurgence of tyranny in the country. (FREEMAN)