Martial Law survivor Joanna Cariño recalls her experiences during the Martial Law period

Summary

Joanna Pitino, a senior citizen and martial law survivor in the Philippines, recounts her experiences as a student activist during the 1970s. She details the intense political unrest, her illegal arrest, torture, and the severe human rights abuses she endured under martial law. Reflecting on the current political climate, she expresses concerns about a return to dictatorial practices. Despite her hardships, she remains proud of her lifelong activism and continues to advocate for systemic changes to improve society, particularly for farmers, workers, and indigenous peoples.

Takeaways

• 👩‍🦳 Joanna Pitino is a senior citizen, survivor of martial law, and former student activist from the University of the Philippines Baguio.
• 🚨 Martial law was declared in 1972, during which Joanna actively participated in protests and was arrested for her activism.
• ⚡ Joanna and her sister were tortured after their arrest, enduring electric shocks, beatings, and threats of further violence.
• 🏢 Joanna was held in a military camp where she witnessed and heard the torture of other political prisoners.
• 😔 The torture and detention led to long-term health issues, including hepatitis, which Joanna believes was a result of the abuse.
• 🔄 Joanna draws parallels between the human rights violations during martial law and those under the Duterte administration, citing extrajudicial killings and repression of democratic dissent.
• ⚖️ She highlights the systematic efforts to stifle opposition, including the jailing of political figures and the militarization of civilian bureaucracy.
• 🛑 Joanna emphasizes the importance of remembering the atrocities of martial law and ensuring that such abuses never happen again.
• 💪 Despite the challenges, Joanna remains proud of her activism and continues to fight for systemic changes in Philippine society.
• 🌱 She encourages the youth to carry on the struggle for a better society, drawing inspiration from the activism of her generation.

Q & A

Who is Joanna Pitino?

Joanna Pitino is an elderly woman, a survivor of martial law in the Philippines, and a former student activist at the University of the Philippines Baguio.

What was Joanna's role during the declaration of martial law in 1972?

During the declaration of martial law in 1972, Joanna Pitino was a student activist and a member of Kabataang Makabayan, actively participating in protests and advocating for systemic change in the Philippines.

What were the conditions like during the first quarter storm according to Joanna?

Joanna described the first quarter storm as a time of great awakening for the youth, with many students taking to the streets to demand change. Progressive organizations had chapters in many schools, and activism was widespread.

What happened to Joanna after martial law was declared?

After martial law was declared, Joanna was illegally arrested in 1974, tortured, and detained in a military camp for over a year. She was subjected to physical abuse, including electric shocks, and witnessed the torture of other political prisoners.

What were the effects of the torture Joanna endured?

Joanna suffered from physical injuries, including burn marks from electric shocks, and was diagnosed with hepatitis, which she believes was related to the torture she endured.

How does Joanna compare the current administration to the martial law period?

Joanna feels a sense of déjà vu with the current administration, drawing parallels between the human rights abuses and repression of political dissent today and those during martial law. She believes that the current situation in the Philippines resembles a de facto martial law.

What is Joanna's view on the current use of military personnel in civilian roles?

Joanna is critical of the increasing presence of military personnel in civilian government roles, arguing that it reflects a mindset of impunity and repression, similar to that of the martial law era.

What does Joanna emphasize as the key lesson from martial law?

Joanna emphasizes that the human rights violations during martial law should never be forgotten and that it is crucial to resist any attempts to repeat such abuses in the present day.

How does Joanna reflect on her life and activism?

Joanna reflects on her life with pride, believing that she has lived for others and contributed to the struggle for systemic change in the Philippines. She remains committed to fighting for a better society, even as a senior citizen.

What is Joanna's message to the younger generation?

Joanna urges the younger generation to continue the struggle for systemic change, just as the youth did during the first quarter storm and the fight against the Marcos dictatorship. She sees them as playing a crucial role in achieving a better Philippine society.