Martial law compensation

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor CHERYL CRUZ Desk Editor NIDA A. BUENAFE Sports Editor RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

It has taken more than 40 years, but at last some attempt is being made to compensate its citizens who had suffered imprisonment, torture and indignities during the days of Martial Law in the country.

As of yesterday, representatives of the Human Rights Victims Claims Board had arrived in Bacolod City and have started accepting applications for claims from those who had been victimized by the Martial Law regime under the late President Ferdinand Marcos.

As announced by the representatives of the Claim Board, the amount of P10 billion has been earmarked for the reparation and recognition of those who had gone through sacrifices under the dictatorial rule that existed in the country from September 21, 1972, when Marcos declared Martial Law, until February 25, 1986, when the country liberated itself from the despotic regime through the bloodless uprising that was EDSA.

So far, we have heard of those who were detained illegally, or were falsely accused and imprisoned, or charged with made up crimes, who have come out and are now preparing the documents that will entitle them to the reparation. The amount may not be much, considering that there are also victims in almost all parts of the country, but it provides some consolation to those who had virtually despaired of ever seeing their freedoms returned.

As also explained those in charge of the claims processing, even those who have mysteriously disappeared can be represented by their families.

What is alarming, however, is that many more victims may not be aware of this possibility to be recompensed for their sufferings during Martial Law. The media, therefore, both print and broadcast, should take it upon themselves to help by announcing it repeatedly so that the information can reach as many victims as possible.

It will be unfair if those who suffered the most are not able to avail of whatever compensation is available, for lack of knowledge that such a process is going on, and taking place right in their provinces.*