Martial law survivors have already lived a life of pain and suffering; however, they are still tormented by the traumas of the past and the threat of lies today. Five decades after the declaration of Martial Law on this day on September 21, 1972, we remember them, named and unnamed, as heroes who stood their ground for democracy in the face of tyranny.

The truth of facts is irrefutable then and always. The Philippine government recognizes the facts of the horrific Marcos dictatorship by providing reparations to its victims through the Human Rights Violations Victims’ Memorial Commission (HRVVMC) to “receive, evaluate, process, and investigate” reparation claims made by victims of human rights abuses during martial law under Republic Act No. 10368 also known as “An Act Providing for Reparation and Recognition of Victims of Human Rights Violations During the Marcos Regime, Documentation of Said Violations, Appropriating Funds Therefor and For Other Purposes”.

Documentations from Amnesty International, Task Force Detainees of the Philippines, other human rights monitoring entities, and historians have shown greater number of abuses than that granted reparations by the Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board. Some 3,257 known extrajudicial killings, 35,000 documented torture, and 70,000 incarcerations were documented.

The Human Rights Violations Victims’ Memorial Commission (HRVVMC) have devised a ten-point system to provide financial assistance to martial law human rights violations victims. These victims will be compensated from funds coming from the Marcos Swiss deposits proven by courts to be ill-gotten through corruption.

As any God-fearing person ought to seek, may we continue to search for truth so justice can prevail.

11,103 Victims of Human Rights Violations Martial Law (1972 -1986)

2,326 Killing and enforced disappearance

238 Torture (Rape and Forcible Abduction)

217 Torture (Mutilation, sexual abuse, involving children and minors)

1,467 Torture (psychological, mental, and emotional harm other than insanity, acts of lasciviousness)

182 Cruel, Inhumane, & degrading treatment

699 Arbitrary detention (For more than 6 months)

1,417 Arbitrary detention (Lasting between 15 days to 6 months)

1,239 Arbitrary detention (Lasting between 36 hours up to 15 days)

579 Involuntary Exile (Involving violence and illegal takeover of Business)

2,739 Involuntary exile (Involving intimidation and physical injuries)