WATCH: Rappler’s Martial Law playlist

 

MANILA, Philippines – On Wednesday, September 21, the Philippines commemorates the 44th anniversary of Martial Law, declared by former president Ferdinand Marcos in 1972. (READ: Martial Law, here we go again)

Rappler puts together 12 video features and interviews – among them an international journalist, former legislators, human right victims and the Marcoses calling for unity. (READ: Young and gone too soon: How martial law took our future)

1. Martial law and stifled freedoms

Rappler looks back at the period characterized by the muzzling of the press, the stifling of basic freedoms, and the arrest of over 30,000 Filipinos. 

 

2. What if martial law were still in effect today?

A lot of people look back to the Marcos years with nostalgia. In this animation video, Rappler explores this possibility – the biggest “what if?” question today. (READ: Martial Law 101) 

 

3. ‘Lucky day’: Surviving torture during martial law

Two torture victims share their horrific experiences during martial law. 

Bayan Muna representative Neri Colmenares talks about his torture in a deadly game of chance. Former political detainee Bonifacio “Boni” Ilagan was not only tortured, his activist sister was also raped and executed along with 9 other activists.

 

4. The People Power Experiential Museum

During the 30th anniversary of the People Power Revolution, the EDSA experiential museum was set up to engage the youth and give them a tactile glimpse into the martial law years. (IN PHOTOS: Inside the powerful EDSA 30 experiential museum)

 

5. The last session: Serge Osmeña leaves the building

Meet Senator Serge Osmeña III, three-time senator, self-proclaimed liberal and martial law detainee was among a handful of political detainees who had escaped from a Marcos prison. Here, he talks about learning from the past. 

6. Nene Pimentel reacts to youth’s views on Martial Law and People Power

A statesman during the Marcos administration, Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr was a political prisoner during martial law. In this video, he gives the lowdown on the Marcos days, the EDSA revolution and democracy. 

 

7. Sr Mary John Mananzan reacts to youth’s views on Martial Law and People Power

Sister Mary John Mananzan, a nun of the Benedictine Order, was a familiar face among street parliamentarians in the prelude to the 1986 People Power uprising. In this video, she banishes some myths about the dark years.  

 

8. Raissa Robles: ‘We never knew extent of repression under martial law’

Journalist Raissa Robles “Marcos Martial Law: Never Again,” says her book is not an exhaustive history but a “short and compact introduction” to the atrocities and torture committed by the Marcos regime.

 

9. Martial law years the best? Facts, figures prove otherwise – Robredo

Vice President Leni Robredo brings out the ammunition. Let the numbers speak. 

 

10. Former CNN Beijing bureau chief Jaime FlorCruz talk about the Martial Law

 

We know him as former CNN Beijing bureau chief. But did you know that Jaime FlorCruz ended up living in China for 43 years because of Martial Law?

11. Sandro Marcos: Comparing my father with my grandfather doesn’t make sense 

During the election season, Senator Bongbong Marcos’ son Sandro says his father’s message resonates with Filipinos because we want to move forward.

 

12. Imee Marcos calls for unity

 Imee Marcos tells Ilocanos during the celebration of her father’s 99th birthday, “Let’s not make any condemnations now because our only role today is to bury the dead.”

– Rappler.com