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Friday, September 22, 2006
Book on martial law launched
A book detailing the Martial Law years from the perspective of an anti-Marcos stalwart was launched in Cebu yesterday.
The launch was a gathering of survivors of a painful war. Old comrades sitting together in a room, recounting past sufferings and proclaiming “never again.”
Sen. Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel authored the 600-page paperback that is now being distributed by National Bookstore.
“Martial Law in the Philippines: My story” took two years to write and begins with Pimentel, then the mayor of Cagayan de Oro and a delegate to the 1971 Constitutional Commission, being arrested for the first time.
Jail time
It described how he was detained in Camp Crame for three months for opposing the 1973 Constitution that gave Marcos dictatorial powers, how he was jailed again for leading a demonstration against the Interim Batasan elections in 1978, and again in 1983 on charges of rebellion.
It also narrated how he he was arrested anew in 1985, this time for allegedly participating in an ambush in Cebu City and how opposition leaders here in Cebu came to support him.
Sacrifices
“When I was brought here, I had no spare clothes, no food, nothing. And it was Tony Cuenco and his wife who came to visit me at the stockade in Camp Sotero Cabahug bringing provisions,” he said during the launching held at the Cebu City Waterfront Hotel.
He also narrated the circumstances behind the arrest – lawyer Rebomapil Holganza introduced to him a man who needed money in getting back to Cebu. The man turned out to be in the military watch list and Pimentel was held under suspicion of bankrolling “rebel operations.”
“Hinaut nga dili malimtan ang mga sakripisyo nga nahimo sa mga tawo nga nag patulo sa ilang singot og dugo - og ang kadtong mga nangawala - sa ngalan sa kagawasan,” he said. (I hope that we will not forget those who sacrificed sweat and blood–and those who have disappeared –in the name of freedom.)
The book also offers answers to certain controversies, including the assassination of Benigno Aquino Jr., the bombing of the Liberal Party meeting in Plaza Miranda and the plot to rescue Aquino from Fort Bonifacio.
The book has already been launched in Luzon and in Mindanao.
“The book gives an exhaustive and factual account of the events that roused a nation and dismantled martial law,” says the author in his website www.nenepimentel.org.
While writing the book, Pimentel lost weight, developed creaking joints and pain in his eyes.
He talked to friends and other martial-law colleagues, and went through video clips and bundles of personal documents that are now in the book. (KNR)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (September 22, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here.
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