(Statement of the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society)
Maybe unknown to many Filipinos, the Bangsamoro is the most hard hit and traumatized people by the declaration of Martial rule under former president Ferdinand Marcos.
Thousands of Moros were killed and many more were displaced. Their diaspora began when the Bangsamoro homeland was heavily militarized, driving the people into cities to escape violence, far away from their homes, farms, and sources of livelihood, braving new cultural environments alien from theirs. Under martial rule, the Bangsamoro were politically disenfranchised, economically marginalized, culturally alienated and socially disintegrated.
Massacres, notably those known as “Jabidah,” and the ones in Palembang, Tacub and Manili, among others, happened during the time of Marcos. Tortures, hamletting, destruction of houses and religious structures, violation of the women and forced evacuation are among the legacy of impunity and violence committed by the Marcos dictatorship against the Bangsamoro. These are the past but also the present because until now, these human rights violations and injustices have not been addressed, and to some extent, are still continuing.
For the Bangsamoro, Marcos is not a hero, as he caused miseries. To bury him in the Libingan ng mga Bayani belies the real meaning of a hero’s burial. Our country needs national unity, healing and reconciliation. But these can only happen when we are able to transform our society and give justice to where justice is due.
We, members of the network Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS), hereby register our opposition to the burial of Marcos in the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
Guiamel Alim
Chair, Council of Leaders
Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS)