Canadian Museum for Human Rights honors PH martial law victims

Survivor Marichu Antonio, who was imprisoned and tortured by the Marcos dictatorship’s enforcers recalled her experience and answered questions. SCREENGRAB/CTV NEWS

Victims and survivors of Ferdinand Marcos’ Martial Law were honored Friday, Sept. 23 by the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg, Manitoba to mark the 50^th anniversary of the imposition of dictatorial rule in the Philippines.

The event featured a documentary film showing, cultural presentations and a victim’s recollection.

Survivor Marichu Antonio, who was imprisoned and tortured by the Marcos dictatorship’s enforcers recalled her experience and answered questions, according to CTV News. Antonio was named Calgary Citizen of the Year in 2021 for her advocacy work for minority communities.

“We disappeared for 12 days, we didn’t know if we were going to live,” Antonio was quoted by CTV News.

“At that time, the Philippines was ruled by a tyrant, by a dictator,” said Antonio. “They will always come back because they like more power, they’re more greedy, they want to get more billions of dollars from our country,” she added, alluding to the late dictator’s son, Ferdinand Jr., who now sits as president of the country.