Panay groups plan Sept. 21 martial law protests
By Juliane Judilla
ILOILO CITY — Cause-oriented and sectoral groups across Panay are mobilizing for a series of protests Monday, Sept. 21, to commemorate the 54th anniversary of the declaration of martial law and mark one year since the nationwide Trillion Peso March against corruption.
Representatives of various organizations gathered at a press conference in Iloilo City on Wednesday, Sept. 16, urging the public to join the mobilizations and calling for greater accountability, justice, and transparency in government.
The activities are being led by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Panay and Kahublagan Kontra Kurapsyon, a broad alliance campaigning against corruption.
Clarizel Joy Abellar of the Jaro Archdiocesan Commission on Laity urged the faithful to remain engaged in addressing corruption and other systemic issues.
“Faith must never be silent in the face of corruption and oppression,” Abellar said.
“We can never pray for peace while ignoring injustices. We can never ask for righteousness while ignoring theft,” she added.
Maura Abellon of Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap-Panay highlighted concerns affecting poor communities, including food insecurity, access to clean water, and flooding.
She also questioned the government’s response to these issues.
“The deaf government cannot hear us when we are already hungry, when we no longer have clean water, and when we continue to suffer from flooding,” Abellon said.
Meanwhile, Eddie Amorsolo, president of Barangay Power Association-Alimodian, raised concerns about the country’s power sector.
He called for the repeal of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act and opposed further privatization and monopolization of the electricity industry.
Amorsolo also called on communities to unite in raising their concerns and challenge what he described as corrupt leadership.
Organizers have scheduled activities in Iloilo, Capiz, and Aklan on Sept. 21.
In Iloilo City, the program will begin at 9 a.m. at the General Luna Flyover, followed by a march to the Office of the Ombudsman in Iloilo at 11 a.m.
In Roxas City, Capiz, participants will gather at 3 p.m. for a march from the Civic Center to the Roxas City Plaza Bandstand, where a program will follow.
In Aklan, an indoor forum is scheduled for 1 p.m., followed by a 3 p.m. march to the Banga-New Washington crossing for another program.
Organizers are calling on individuals and communities across Panay to take part in the Sept. 21 activities, saying the mobilizations provide an opportunity for different sectors to come together, remember the lessons of martial law, and raise concerns about issues that continue to affect their communities.
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