A name holds a great significance in how a person is remembered. It is an everlasting reminder engraved into the memory of the people who knew them. Each person has their own story to tell of who they are, which is why it is ironic to think that the very people who write stories end up being the ones whose stories remain untold and whose names are rarely mentioned.
Throughout the years, the press has played a significant role in every chapter of history. They have been the vanguards of truth, watchdogs of society, and voice amplifiers of the unheard. However, when they are the ones who are in need of protection and justice, they become just another slain journalist. What we tend to not realize is that some of these forgotten heroes actually have a special connection with all of us. They were also once students of the Ateneo and journalists whose fates fell into the hands of the wicked.
Emmanuel Lacaba
Born in Cagayan de Oro, Lacaba attended Ateneo de Manila University for his college education. His stay in the Ateneo allowed him to learn, write, and get involved in socio-political issues. He became an activist even before the declaration of Martial Law and he would get arrested for joining strikes. He pursued his love for arts and joined the Philippine Educational Theatre Association. He even wrote the theme song of Lino Brocka’s Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang.
When he joined the New People’s Army and found his home with the people of North Cotabato, he left behind this life but brought with him his love for the arts. Soon after, they were captured by the military. His companions were killed and when it was his turn to be shot, a sergeant let his fellow NPA named Martin to shoot him. Lacaba bravely told Martin, “Go ahead. Finish me off,” and died as a martyr.
Abraham Sarmiento Jr.
From early on in his childhood, Abraham “Ditto” Pascual Sarmiento Jr. excelled greatly in his academics. The Ateneo de Manila played a vital role in shaping his principles. Throughout his grade school to high school education, he received various academic excellence awards and was often at the top of his class. Later on, he became the editor-in-chief of the UP Collegian, a student publication of the University of the Philippines.
During the days of Martial Law, the Collegian newspaper was a symbol of protest against the dictatorship. One of his most well-known published works was the featured illustration of the UP Oblation statue with the words: “Kung hindi tayo kikilos, sino ang kikilos? Kung di tayo kikibo, sino ang kikibo? Kung hindi ngayon, kailan pa?” that has become an icon for young activists and student leaders alike. This act of defiance soon got the attention of the Marcos dictatorship, resulting in Ditto’s arrest on January 24, 1976. Though he was released later on, his experience during the time of his imprisonment left him in an unhealthy state. The rapid deterioration of his health ultimately led to his untimely death on November 11, 1977.
Benjaline “Beng” Hernandez
A former editor of Atenews, the school publication of the Ateneo de Davao University, and activist, Beng shared the same fate with the other persecuted journalists. She was in Arakan Valley, North Cotabato for a fact-finding mission about the Tababa massacre when she was killed. As she was having lunch with the farmers, members of the military started to shoot where they were at. Despite having her arms raised and pleading “Have pity, sir, we are civilians,” she was shot at a close range together with three other companions. At the age of 22, a great activist, journalist, and student had to leave the world. The soldiers, who were involved in the incident, claimed that it was an encounter with the New People’s Army. Even the Cotabato governor had the same claims.
In July 2010, however, eight years after her death, the United Nations Human Rights Committee released their decision regarding Beng’s case. It stated that the Philippine government is accountable for this incident and even ordered full reparation for the victim’s family. Sadly, the local court of Kidapawan acquitted the main perpetrator days after the UNHRC’s statement.
The price for truth should never be at the cost of one’s life, yet it is the sad reality for the lives of these journalists. Every stroke of a pen and every word that has left their lips has drawn them closer and closer to their demise. With all their efforts and sacrifices, they were rewarded with bloodshed. Despite knowing this tragic fate, these journalists still chose to fight for a great cause in the hopes of attaining justice.
They were not only journalists, but they were also men and women for others. In line with the commemoration of the slain journalists, November 2 marks the official International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists as recognized by the United Nations. When those who stand up for the people’s rights can no longer join the battles of the world, it is the people who must fight for them as much as these martyrs unhesitantly fought for what is right. Justice must be served no matter what and no matter how many years has already passed by.
Sources:
https://www.esquiremag.ph/long-reads/features/eman-lacaba-a2212-20190930-lfrm
https://peoplepill.com/people/emmanuel-f-lacaba/
http://www.ipsnews.net/2007/04/death-penalty-philippines-a-mother-fights-for-justice/
https://rsf.org/en/news/justice-benjaline-beng-hernandez
http://davaotoday.com/main/human-rights/benjaline-hernandez-campus-journalist-and-human-rights-defender/
https://www.bulatlat.com/2013/04/05/for-beng-hernandez/
https://manilastandard.net/mobile/article/334783
Photo sources:
Atenews – bulatlat.com
Official Gazette – Daily Express
Alchetron
Esquire – Wikimedia
SPAN – KARAPATAN
Megan Olladas
Sophia Orlanes
HiLites ASHS 