Enrile: ‘Only one executed’, ‘none arrested’ under Marcos’ martial law
On the eve of the 46th anniversary of martial law declaration, former Senator Bongbong Marcos uploaded on his Facebook account his one-on-one interview with former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile.
The interview was about the martial law declaration of his father, former President Ferdinand Marcos.
Enrile recalled the times under martial law, denying reports that thousands were killed and arrested back then.
Enrile claims only one was executed under the martial law and that was Chinese drug lord Lim Seng.
“Name me one person that was arrested because of political or religious belief during that period. None. Name me one person that was arrested simply because he criticized President Marcos. None. Very few were arrested and they were arrested. Jovy Salonga for instance, he was involved in the light a fire movement and many others. Very few were arrested and they were released. They were inconvenienced for a while but they were released,” Enrile said.
He also said that Marcos was pushed to declare martial law because of an alleged conspiracy between the Liberal Party and the Communist Party of the Philippines.
The attempted ambush attack against Enrile in 1972 was one of the bases why martial law was declared by Marcos nationwide on September 22, 1972. He appointed Enrile as martial law administrator.
But former Senate President Aquilino Pimentel Jr. criticized Enrile’s recollection of events, saying Manong Johnny must have forgotten about him.
Pimentel said he was imprisoned four times during martial law because of his political beliefs.
“Maybe, Enrile has forgotten me. That’s part of aging,” said Pimentel.
Pimentel also pointed out that everyone has the right to express their opinion, but reiterates that the public should not be influenced by the opinions of those who have a hidden agenda.
The former lawmaker also believes that the end does not justify the means and the edifices, as well as the infrastructures built during the Marcos government, cannot compensate for every life lost.
“The end never justifies the means. Otherwise, parati na lang mangyayari that people will be deprived of their rights and freedom, liberty, under the pretext that this is for your good, for the good of the rest of the people. We should resist that kind of an attempt, said Pimentel. — Rosalie Coz
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