| Ferdinand Marcos Jr, also known as ‘Bongbong,’ has been accused of living generously at the helm of Asia’s most notorious thief politics |
Former political prisoner Christina Bawagan was arrested, tortured and sexually abused by soldiers during the brutal martial law of Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos. I still have the clothes I was wearing.
Bawagan fears that if his son of the same name defeats the president in next week’s elections, the fear of Marcos’ rule will be diminished. This victory will conclude the 30-year political counterattack of families expelled during the 1986 People Power Revolution.
Marcos Jr., also known as ‘Bongbong,’ has been accused of living generously at the helm of Asia’s most notorious thief politics, partly as a decades-long public relations campaign to change family perceptions. We are benefiting from what political analysts say.
Family rivals say the presidential election is an attempt to rewrite history and change the story of corruption and authoritarianism associated with his father’s time.
“This election is not just a battle for elected positions, but also a fight against disinformation, fake news and historical revisionism,” said Lenny Robredo, a major rival to the Marcos presidential election. Stated.
The May 9 voting fact-checking initiative, TSEK.PH, unveiled a score of martial law-related disinformation last month that it was used to repair, erase, or polish Marcos Snr’s disgraceful record. I told Reuters that I did.
The Marcos Jr. camp did not respond to a written request for comment from Reuters on Bawagan’s story.
Marcos Jr., who called his deceased father a “political genius” last week, denied claims that he had previously disseminated false information, and his spokesman said Marcos was not engaged in negative public relations.
67-year-old Bawagan said martial law victims like her need to share their story to counter the portrayal of Elder Marcos’ administration as a peaceful and golden age in Southeast Asian countries. rice field.
“It’s very important that they see the main evidence that it really happened,” said a rift under the neckline where her torturer crossed her breasts, past the blade and caressed her breasts. Bawagan said while showing a printed dress.
Elder Marcos ruled for 20 years from 1965, almost half of which was under martial law.
During that time, 70,000 people were imprisoned, 34,000 were tortured and 3,240 were killed, according to Amnesty International figures asked by Marcos Jr. in a January interview.
Activist Bawagan was arrested on May 27, 1981 by a soldier in Nueva Ecija on suspicion of capsizing, taken to a “safe house” and beaten in an attempt to elicit a confession.
“Whenever they weren’t happy with my answer, I slapped my face, and that was always,” Bawagan said. “They banged my thighs and banged my ears. They tore my duster (dress) and caressed my breasts.”
“The hardest part was when they put things in my vagina. That was the worst part of it and I was screaming all the time. Nobody seemed to hear it.” 2 The mother of the man, Bawagan, said.
In a conversation with Marcos Jr. on YouTube in 2018, Juan Ponse Enrile, the late dictator’s defense minister, was arrested for criticizing political and religious views and Elder Marcos. Said not.
However, more than 11,000 victims of martial law state atrocities later received compensation from Marcos’ Swiss bank deposits for millions of dollars. Read more Felix Dalisai was deaf for 17 months starting in August 1973, being beaten by soldiers, tortured, and trying to inform other activists.
“They kicked me before I got on the army jeep, so I fell and hit my face on the ground,” Darisai said, looking back at the day he was arrested, leaving a scar on his right eye.
When they arrived at the military headquarters, Darisai was taken to the cross-examination room, where the soldiers repeatedly tapped and kicked his ears during the cross-examination, saying he sometimes hit him with the rifle’s butt.
“They started by inserting the bullet used in the .45 caliber gun between my fingers, and they clasped my hand. It really hurts. They answer my answer. If not satisfied, they will attack me, “Darisai points to different parts of his body. ..
It is unthinkable for Darisai, who turned 70 this month, to return Marcos to power in the country.
“Our blood is boiling with that idea,” Dalisay said. “Marcos Sr has declared martial law, and they say no one was arrested and tortured? We’re talking here while we’re still alive.”
REUTERS