Martial Law: Angelina Julom

BARAZAR, MALIQUE ILJANAH C

3BR01

BR170

Discussions occurred about Martial Law, as an eye-opener from a first-hand experience, Sr. Dr. Angelina Julom, not as a political endorsement. The events that happened are about 40 years, it's sort of compressing it for an hour talk. Why is it im[portant to remember Martial Law and People Power? Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. We can learn to value the past and try not to repeat even in personal life, into behavior modification. In 1972, Martial Law was proclaimed. On Dr. Julom’s way of going back and forth from her school, there was fear. Fear of someone-what she might encounter, and questioned herself, what were the reasons to proclaim a Martial Law? As a response to a communist threat, posed by the newly founded Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), and the sectarian "rebellion" of the Mindanao Independence Movement (MIM), including the NPAs. It happened to be winning the 2nd term of Presidency, believing that he won by buying the votes of the people. People did not want how Marcos to lead the country, there was a great disparity between the rich and the poor. If someone reacts to how you behave especially in a position as a leader, it means you are not doing well. How should we respond to oppositions? A self-reflection is needed to be observed. Are we similar to Marcos? Who tries to control things? Marcos committed against human rights, it was how he reacted on the people, especially targeting political opponents and student activists, and outnumbered people who went against his regime. In 1982, Dr. Julom was working as a catechist, and the fear of being in danger was still present on people who come and go in their place, which are military people, some are just civilians who were given guns by Marcos as he formed this concept of the ruling. In today’s realization, we do not want to go back and experience the same thing over and over again, the next generation is at stake, and the older generation suffered enough to put an end. The behavior of Marcos’ people were continued uncontrollable and brutal affecting tragedy on innocent and frail people, and they were helpless. Especially on people given a power who does not know how to use and control, as an example of military-appointed persons from being prisoners-who are lacking in values. Dr. Julom encountered numbered persons who had given up life because their choices and present circumstances left them no reasons to hold on. Situations of civilians during those times were unimaginable. 

In 2 hours as a given time for evacuation, their current place of residence was proclaimed as no man’s land. They were no safe place or place you called on your “own,” even animals were killed, and the heads who were left behind in their community were inside the sack. Although Marcos initially claimed that he had declared Angelina Ado. martial law in response to violent acts which took place in 1971-72 - such as the Plaza Miranda bombing and the alleged assassination attempt on Defense Secretary Enrile the groundwork for its implementation had been laid down much earlier. Marcos aide-turned whistleblower Primitivo Mires noted that "The beginning infrastructure for martial law was actually laid down as early as the first day of his assumption of the Philippine presidency on December 30, 1965. Self-reflect as hear check, do we practice our choices and will for our own good and advantage or for the common good? We can choose how we respond to the current situation. The boiling water softens the potato and the same water that hardens the egg. It is what we are, not the situations we are in. What led to the people power? No one wants to be controlled, it's a part of humanity, to be free. During the Martial Law, there was a rise in poverty, from 41% to 59% in 1960s, the Philippine Economy was completed depleted. A rise in debt happened during Marcos Administration borrowed a massive amount of foreign debt. In February 1986, EDSA Revolution happened, the people because religious and organized even in Mindanao, they were praying for freedom and the end of dictatorship.  Ramos was present in need of help, he was the head of PNP during that time. Ramos declared the withdrawal of support in Marcos, and the President was angry and asked them to surrender. Cardinal Jaime Sin, had the heart to talk over a radio- in Veritas, the people of God, come and protect Ramos and the people in EDSA, then the plan went over and an overwhelming feeling reigned. Dr, Julom was ready to die that time for the country. Three days later, it was successful, it was a dream come true, a miracle, and a salvation story. Not because in today’s generation was not present during 1972, it does not mean it was not all true. We cannot justify the economic expansion in exchange for the victims during Marcos Administration. Nakikita mo na ang katotohanan sa pailigid mo, kasalanan mo na kung pipikit ka pa. Never Again.