Veteran photojournalists recall Martial Law-era news coverage

Several journalists are considered heroes at the time when the country was under martial rule and the Marcos administration.

This was because despite the danger and the government-imposed media black out, the journalists were able to deliver news about the country to the world.

In an interview with GMA News' Maki Pulido on "State of the Nation with Jessica Soho" on Wednesday, veteran photojournalists Lito Ocampo and Joe Galvez talked about doing their work while the country was under martial rule.

The photographers gave the rest of the world a peek into the events that shaped the Marcos regime by having their photos published in the US and in European countries.

"'Yung US-based support group, sila 'yung sinusuplayan namin ng litrato to propagate the issue of human rights and the issue of political prisoners in the Philippines," Ocampo said.

Ocampo contributed photos to Malaya and We Forum, while Galvez was a photographer for Manila Bulletin, People's Journal, and the Mr. and Ms. Special Edition.

One of his photos was that of his older brother Bayan Muna representative Satur Ocampo, who was then a human rights advocate and political detainee.

Ocampo described a photo of his brother that was taken just before his fourth court hearing in Fort Bonifacio. He was charged for conspiracy and proposal to commit rebellion.

"Kasama ako sa kaso na 'to. Hanggang ngayon 'yung kaso namin...unconcluded," Ocampo said.

He also found ways to document abuses while inside the prison.

"Ini-ismuggle ko 'yung camera. Kung minsan, pinapadala ko sa lawyer kasi hindi sila sine-search. Kung minsan pinapadala ko sa mga madre," he said.

During one anti-Marcos rally, Ocampo related that he was standing alongside senator Lorenzo Tañada, who was hit by water canons. He said tear gas was also used against rallyists. One protester, the son of Francisco Nemenzo, was shot.

Joe Galvez also related that the photos that got published were the ones that reflected the late dictator's good side.

"Itong mga litrato na 'to, heto 'yung mga gusto ng mga Marcoses na litrato, the good side of martial law," Galvez said, displaying a photo of Marcos side by side with then First Lady Imelda Marcos.

"Kasi dina-divert nila 'yung mga tao sa real issues, which is war, abuse of power," he added.

Despite the danger and threats faced by Ocampo, Galvez, and other journalist  continued doing their jobs.

"Dun tayo natuto. Magtanong. Magtanong. Magtanong. Ganun. Hanapin ang katotohanan," said Galvez.

On Thursday, the day Martial Law was declared by Marcos, was declared by President Rodrigo Duterte as a "National Day of Protest," in which work in government offices and classes for public schools are suspended. — Margaret Claire Layug/BAP, GMA News