Dictators never last: Our kind of Edsa

We join the nation in commemorating the 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution. We remember the heroes and the people who had launched countless prayer vigils and protests that ultimately led to the historic ouster of the dictator after years of martial rule. Those years are remembered for the merciless killings of thousands, the suppression of the people’s right to speak, mass arrests and detention, the persecution of those who were critical. Poverty, worsened by corruption, was rampant. All these happened while a blanket of protection was given to close allies and cronies. It was a dead democracy.

These stories passed on to us are all too familiar. We see no difference from the current administration of President Duterte, whose war on drugs has killed thousands. We remember the 22-year-old Tisoy Argoncillo, who died four days after being apprehended by the police following the oral directive of the President to arrest all those loitering in the streets. Tisoy represents the many victims of the President’s irresponsible, careless and antipoor order that was treated as law by those in authority.

Political killings, threats, and harassment continue to be experienced by those who are critical of the government. We rage at the recent harassment of the lumad, including youth and children who sought refuge at the UCCP Haran Center in Davao del Sur. Our hearts are in pain hearing their stories of having to leave their homes, schools, and communities due to massive militarization—yet even the safe space they’ve found is being harassed. Where will they turn to?

We draw inspiration from the historical legacy of the youth in guarding democracy. Many of them gave up their lives to fight and oust a dictator, and we will not allow a looming dictatorship to threaten our freedom once again. We call on our fellow youth to take inspiration from those who had fought and those who remain fighting, just so we can enjoy a relatively free society. Marcos’ dictatorship did not last. The same thing awaits Mr. Duterte’s.

JON DAVE ANGELES, chair,

JEAN MARE ARGUTA, general secretary,

Kalipunan ng Kristiyanong Kabataan sa Pilipinas, [email protected]