Desaparecidos
We met with the family of Karen and Sher in a press conference today. A fellow youth leader remarked that talking with the family of the missing persons was really difficult. There is really no way you could take it lightly.Bulatlat notes the shift from killings to abductions. Talking to the family of the victims, I realized how hard the situation is for the family of the victims of forced disappearances. I did not know what to say when I met Karen's father, it was very insensitive of me, but out of lack of things to say, I blurted out: "Ano pong balita? (what are the updates regarding the two?)"
He looked at me, thought of what he was going to tell me, his eyes looking really tired and said: "Lahat na pinuntahan namin, kung saan-saan na kami nakarating, iyan din ang hanap namin. Wala pa kaming balita."
Karen's mom said that her eldest daughter, Karen's sister, had a dream last night and that in her dream she saw Karen screaming for help.
This was perhaps the hardest thing for the relatives of victims of forced disappearances: never getting to know what really happened to their loved ones. Perpetually worrying, fearing what their captors could have done to them. Always guessing how they are, desperately hoping they're alive and okay.
There have been 178 reported cases of abductions since Arroyo came to power in 2001. Another 7 people have been illegally abducted today.
Here is the unity statement for the immediate release of Karen and Sher. Here is the online petition for their release. And here Sarah posts a poem for Karen.
posted by Vencer @ 11:23 PM
3 Comments:
Very powerful post.
I think you should consider, a united front, for defense against vigilante thugs, without necessarily agreeing with the victims whole program.
You could get support from civil libertarians, unions, etc.
Yes, a united front would be a great idea. Please keep us informed on any new developments and how we can help. Our hearts and actions are with you.
Revolutionary love,
celticfire & ladycelticfire
I saw the petition on Vidrohi's site and signed it. I'm with you.
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