PROGRESSIVE groups marked Human Rights Day on Tuesday afternoon, December 10, 2024, at Freedom Park, Roxas Avenue, Davao City, by offering flowers and prayers to honor victims of extrajudicial killings and the disappearances of activists in the Davao Region.
Markli Lariosa, the son of William Lariosa, expressed sorrow over his father’s forced disappearance, which has now lasted for eight months. He said that the family has had no information about his father’s whereabouts during this time, and it has been difficult without a father figure.
“Karung sunod na mga adlaw, adlaw sa pag selebrar sa ika-64 nga kinatawhan sa akoang amahan diin adlaw unta para siya among makauban, mahimamat, mahagkan diha sa adlaw na iyang natawhan pero kani pinugos naghikaw kanamo ug gikuwaan sa katungod pinaagi sa pagdukot kaniya (In the coming days, we should have celebrated my father’s 64th birthday, a day for us to be with him, to meet him, to hug him. But instead, he was taken from us when his rights were violated through his abduction),” he said.
Markli said that his father’s disappearance is an injustice to a good man, a loving father, friend, and co-worker, who only sought to fight for workers’ rights. He vowed to continue seeking justice for his father and all victims of forced disappearances.
William was reportedly abducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) 48th Infantry Battalion in Quezon, Bukidnon, on April 10, 2024.
Fe Salino, spokesperson for Samahan ng Ex-Detainees Laban sa Aresto at Detensyon-Southern Mindanao Region (SELDA-SMR) and a survivor of Martial Law under former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., said there is no difference between the leadership of Marcos Sr. and his son, Marcos Jr.
She pointed out that activists and rallyists were persecuted under Marcos Sr., and the same continues today.
Selda has recorded around 46 political detainees in Southern Mindanao, including six in BJMP-Davao City, 14 in BJMP-Digos City, and others in various facilities across the region. Nationwide, there are approximately 700 political detainees.
“RA 11749 panawagan na dapat mawala nanang Anti-Terror Law ibasura ang executive order number 70 ang red tagging (RRA 11749 calls for the repeal of the Anti-Terrorism Law, the rescinding of Executive Order No. 70, and an end to red-tagging),” she said.
Human Rights Day, observed every December 10, commemorates the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). RGP
