German embassy on Martial Law: Remembering, learning ensures it won't happen again

The German Embassy in Manila on the 50th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law stressed the importance of remembering the past and ensuring that future generations were aware of the atrocities during that period to prevent a repeat of abuses.

On Facebook, the embassy said, "the heavy legacy of the Martial Law period in the Philippines and the records of thousands of victims, killings and enforced disappearances are a call to responsibly engage in and learn from this dark period for a brighter future."

"It is through remembrance, commemoration and responsible action that we honor the memories of the victims and achieve justice, peace and stability," the German embassy said.

"As a country that has its own share of a troubled past, Germany remains committed in ensuring that the memories of the victims of tyranny will never be forgotten," it added.

"Germany is a reliable partner in the international efforts for justice, peace, stability and hence sustainable development," the embassy said.

Then President Ferdinand Marcos on September 21, 1972 declared martial law in the country.

GMA News Online has reached out to the former president's daughter Senator Imee Marcos for comment but she has yet to reply as of posting time.

At a news conference, Imee recalled a conversation with her late father about Martial Law.

"Musmos pa lang ako nung una kong narinig sa ama ko yung martial law dahil ang sabi niya ang pinakatanyag na gumamit nito ay yung president ng Amerika. Si Abraham Lincoln," Imee said.

"Kung may karapatan ka bilang tao na ipagtanggol ang sarili mo kung may aatake sayo, gugulpi sa'yo, nais patayin ka, may karapatan din ang pamahalaan, ang estado ipagtanggol ang sarili niya sa mga naghahasik ng gulo, sa mga rebelde na nais bumagsak ang pamahalaan, sa mga susupil na mga dayuhan sa lahat ng pamamaraang ito," she added.

Imee said that martial law was there for a purpose and it had been implemented not only in the Philippines but also in other countries.

"May gamit ang martial law at 'yan ay ginamit ilang beses na sa Amerika man at sa ibang bansa. Yan ang paliwanag ng ama ko noong maliit pa ako kaya't sine-share ko lang po," Imee said.

As a country that has its own share of a troubled past, the embassy said Germany "remains committed in ensuring that the memories of the victims of tyranny will never be forgotten."

"In Germany, a comprehensive, continuous and inclusive whole-of-society approach after World War II has ensured that people in Germany are aware of the suffering and destruction, which the atrocities of National Socialism and the Hitler regime had brought over millions and millions of people," the embassy said.

The military rule has been blamed for thousands of killings, torture, and enforced disapperances of perceived enemies of the state.

A compensation commission has since been put up for the survivors of Martial Law and for the loved ones of those who died. —NB, GMA News