21/09/2026
When we speak of Martial Law, the past is often obscured by revisionism and denial. But the truth resists erasure.
On this day, September 21, 2026, as we mark the 54th year since the declaration of Martial Law, we look at the numbers that refused to be silenced.
NUMBERS DONโT LIE. These are not just statistics from history books; they represent real Filipinosโincluding 2,326 killed and disappeared, 1,467 tortured, 238 victims of sexual violence, and 2,173 cases of arbitrary detentionโwho suffered under Proclamation No. 1081.
For , we must not only remember this dark chapter in our history but acknowledge with the full weight of its horror. When the narrative is being challenged, these numbers stand as unyielding witnesses. They demand justice, accountability, and our vigilance.
We must never look away.
Never again. Never forget.
References:
Republic Act No. 10368 - 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 - Supreme Court E-Library. (2019). Judiciary.Gov.Ph. https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/2/52724
Proclamation 1081. Lawphil.Net. https://lawphil.net/executive/proc/proc###/proc_1081_1972.html
Institute of Human Rights โ UP Law Center. (2020). Martial Law 48th anniversary album: Marcos not a hero: Martial Law revisionism and the fight for history. University of the Philippines College of Law.https://law.upd.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/UP-IHR-Martial-Law-Album-Plan.pdf
Getty Images. (2016, February 24). A woman stands among photos taken of human rights victims during the Marcos regime [Photograph]. https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/woman-stands-among-photos-taken-of-human-rights-victims-news-photo/511968670
