“Liberation from Oppression and Injustice: Striving for Genuine Freedom and

Democracy in the Philippines"

In recent decades, the Philippines has been under the governance of politicians who

prioritize their own power and authority over the needs and welfare of the people and the

nation. This has led to a troubling pattern of favoritism and injustices, where politicians

exploit their positions for personal gain at the expense of those they are meant to serve.

Alongside this corruption, there has been a widespread occurrence of human rights violations,

including extrajudicial killings of various professionals such as lawyers, journalists, students,

and activists, as well as enforced disappearances and suppression of dissent.

This issue of corruption and human rights abuses has persisted since the Marcos

administration from 1965 to 1986 and remains unresolved. The film "Orapronobis" illustrates

how individuals who speak out against the government can be abducted and murdered even

in broad daylight. This problem has intensified over time, particularly under the current

Marcos administration, leading to increased dissent among the populace.

Victims like Attorney Maria Alzate, known for her advocacy for the marginalized,

have been targeted and assassinated in brazen attacks. Many of these deaths are preceded by

'red-tagging,' where individuals are unjustly labeled as 'rebels' or 'communists' by state

operatives. Similarly, lawyers like Angelo Karlo Guillen, who defend activists and

marginalized communities, have faced violent reprisals, highlighting the dangers faced by

those aligned with the people's welfare.

 The targeting of individuals extends beyond lawyers to encompass journalists and

activists critical of the government. Journalists such as Juan Jumalon and Percival Mabasa

have been murdered for their reporting and commentary, while activists like Jhonila Castro

and Jhed Tamano have been abducted and threatened for their environmental advocacy.

These targeted killings and abductions create a climate of fear, silencing dissent and

undermining democratic principles. Red-tagging has become widespread, leading to a

heightened sense of vulnerability among activists and critics who fear being labeled as 'rebels'

or associates of the 'NPA' and facing violent reprisals.

This perversion of truth and abuse of power by the current administration perpetuates

a culture of fear and threatens the foundation of a just and equitable society. The chilling

effect of these actions stifles free expression and democratic participation, ultimately eroding

the pillars of democracy in the Philippines.