MANILA, Philippines – As Filipinos commemorated the 52nd year since the declaration of Martial Law by the dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos, human rights groups drew parallels between the late strongman and his son and namesake, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Saturday, September 21, 2024 marked 52 years since the elder Marcos signed Proclamation No. 1081. It was a dark chapter in Philippine history, rife with human rights abuses and a crackdown on free speech.

Various groups noted how similar human rights abuses persist in the current administration, and activists remain targets of harassment and violence.

During Martial Law, some 70,000 people were imprisoned and 34,000 were tortured, according to Amnesty International. At least 3,240 were killed from 1972 to 1981. Some victims of enforced disappearances, such as activists, remain missing up until present.

The Marcoses also stole $5 billion to $10 billion in government coffers, with at least P170 billion recovered.

Activists, organizations still targeted

In a statement, the Confederation for Unity, Recognition, and Advancement of Government Employees (COURAGE) said that under the Marcos Jr. administration, progressive unions and individuals continue to be suppressed.

“The situation under the current administration, led by Ferdinand Marcos Jr., is eerily similar to the regime of his father, Marcos Sr.,” said COURAGE national president Santiago Dasmariñas Jr.

The organization for government employees’ rights pointed to “COURAGE 5,” comprised of its officials and organizers Tonet Dizon, Bob Reyes, Oliver Rosales, Weng Rosales, and Eugene Eugenio, who faced what they called trumped up charges. Dizon, Reyes, and the two Rosaleses are imprisoned, while Eugenio is out on bail.

COURAGE called on the government to address the “worsening plight of workers and end continuing political repression and fascist attacks against our people fighting for just and legitimate social change.”

The Philippines has been on the International Trade Union Confederation’s list of 10 worst countries for workers for eight consecutive years.

Meanwhile, indigenous people’s rights group Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas (Katribu) highlighted the killing of Manobo-Dulangan youth Kuni Cuba, and the enforced disappearance of IP rights defenders Dexter Capuyan, Bazoo de Jesus, and Felix Salaveria Jr. under Marcos Jr.’s admnistration.

Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) similarly pointed to how international watchdog Global Witness reported that the Philippines remains the “most dangerous country” in Asia for environmental activists.

ATM said that the report reminds the group of the rampant rights violations in the country during Martial Law.

“Today, we express alarm by the current trend of killings and human rights abuses under the PBBM (President Bongbong Marcos) administration. We are especially concerned that the murders of environmental human rights defenders happen amidst government’s aggressive promotion of mining,” ATM said.

Ecumenical youth group Student Christian Movement of the Philippines (SCMP), together with other groups, mobilized on Saturday and condemned “the atmosphere of impunity and corruption under the current administration.”

“While human rights violations continue to worsen, corruption is expected to worsen especially with the friction of powers this coming elections,” said Kej Andres, SCMP national chairperson.

‘Never again’

Former senator Bam Aquino, who is eyeing a Senate comeback in the 2025 elections, said Filipinos should never forget about the atrocities of Martial Law.

“Sinabi… ni [dating] senador Bam, dapat magsama-sama ang taumbayan sa pagbabantay para matiyak na hindi na ito mauulit pa. Aniya, walang puwersang makapipigil sa sama-samang pagkilos ng taumbayan, kahit makapangyarihan pa ang kalaban,” Aquino’s camp said in a statement.

(Former senator Bam said the people should be vigilant together in making sure this never happens again. There must be no force denying the people’s movement, even if the enemy is powerful, he said.)

Aquino was active in protests against the Marcos dictatorship, especially after his uncle, the late senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. was assassinated in August 1983.

Various groups across the country have prepared activities in line with this year’s commemoration of the declaration of Martial Law. (LIST: Events, activities on 52nd Martial Law commemoration) – Rappler.com