THE YOUTH must continue researching and studying reliable resources to fight misinformation on the atrocities committed during Martial Law, the director of “11,103” said.
In an interview with the Varsitarian, “11,103” film director Jeannette Ifurung said the youth must debunk lies peddled on social media and keep the stories of Martial Law survivors alive.
“Don’t rely on memes. Do your own research. Look at books, and even if it confirms something that you believe in, research it. Don’t just accept it just because it confirms your beliefs,” she said.
The film highlights the testimonies of victims of human rights violations during the regime of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
The event was part of the “Francisco De Vitoria Linggo ng Karapatang Pantao,” held on Sept. 25 at the Central Laboratory Auditorium.
Ifurung said the film was initially set for viewing before the May 2022 presidential elections to counter misinformation on social media during the campaign season.
“We feel like it is easier at this point to get through to young people. A lot of people our age, you see this online, nobody’s listening to anybody else. So, we feel like…people your age, are able to listen, whereas people our age are not listening anymore,” she shared.
The film documentary’s title represents the 11,103 victims recognized by the Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board in accordance with the Republic Act 10368 or the Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act of 2013.
Under the law, victims of human rights violations during Martial Law are entitled to non-monetary reparations and compensation sourced from the Marcoses’ ill-gotten wealth.
Asst. Prof. Froilan Alipao, director of UST Simbahayan Community Development Office, said the lives of Martial Law survivors must be honored.
“Nabubuhay man sila sa ngayon, at yumao na, o mga nawala, ay isama natin sila sa ating panalangin at mga pagsisikap sa pagtataguyod ng karapatang pantao,” he said.
Juan Paulo Luison, president of Dakila Metro Manila – Rizal collective, said commemorating Martial Law also required connecting past sufferings to current events.
“If we fail to connect the past to today, then never again becomes an empty slogan,” Luison said.
He also called on the youth to demand accountability, not just from past oppressions, but also the present wrongdoings.
“Honor the 11,103 recognized victims and also the countless more who remain uncounted by keeping their stories alive and refusing to let the truth be erased,” Luison added.
A talkback session was held after screening, featuring Martial Law survivors Ramon Isberto and Ester Isberto, who shared their personal experiences during the Marcos Sr. regime.
Attendees offered five-minute silence and prayer to the victims of the human rights violations.
The film screening was hosted by the UST Simbahayan Community Development Office, along with UST NSTP Civic Welfare Training Service and the UST Central Student Council. Louisse Raye Shara C. Santos
