MILF: Editorial -- Marcos’ burial

Editorial posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Nov 16): Editorial -- Marcos’ burial

Even in death former dictator-strongman Ferdinand Marcos continues to torment everybody. How much more if he were alive today. But he is already dead and whatever we say he does not hear nor see.  He now belongs to the next world. The punishment for the sins he had committed cannot be physically applied to him. The children who were minor then like   Bongbong, Imee, Irene, and Aimee cannot assume the sins of the father. Surely, Imelda Marcos, the wife and partner in the so-called “Conjugal Dictatorship”, can partake of the excesses of Martial Law.

Of course, we understand and sympathize with the feelings of those whom Marcos’ had wronged. They numbered by thousands upon thousands. We too suffered during Martial Law. Moro victims also numbered by thousands especially families of those massacred by government security forces.

They and we will never forget them. Time, contrary to what has been believed, will not heal the deep wounds incurred in the process. If justice cannot be given now, the waiting is worth it. Surely the victims will persevere --- and in the end, justice, in whatever way or form, will be served.

The controversy continues to divide the nation. This is a fact. It now turns even for the worse. The divide is so steep that instead of just an ethical, civil, and political issue initially, it now becomes legal. The Supreme Court (SC) is dragged into the controversy, and seemingly it cannot get out.

Those opposing for Marcos’ burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes’ Cemetery) are still fighting it tooth and nail, even after the SC, voting 9-5 in favour, had already given the legal signal to bury him there. Those pushing for his burial there, especially members of his family, are tormented as well.  Their legal victory is not only proved shaky if not hollow but at times overwhelmed by the shrieks of the protesters.

Amidst these rumblings, the MILF is not taking a position whether in favour or against the SC’s decision. The decision did not and will never change the past. The excesses of Marcos, the plunder of the national coffer, the killing of thousands of people, and the massive destructions are all recorded in stone. They will never fade away. They will always remain in the conscious and subconscious minds of the people. 

To us, burying or not burying him there is not an issue. Being buried there is not the ultimate test of heroism. If a dog can be buried there, why make it difficult for other people to be buried there. After all, many of those buried there are anonymous.

However, if we were the Marcoses, we wouldn’t force the issue. It is only prolonging their agony. Better for them to bury him elsewhere where he is welcomed, in Ilocos Norte preferably.  Heeding this unsolicited advice might give them peace or at least a temporary respite. It would also give them an assurance that the grave would not be vandalized? If that happens, that is another dishonourable thing.  Otherwise, they will have to post guards all the time at the grave site. However, we don’t know whether that is legally possible. If he were Jose Rizal, the Philippine national hero, then there is no problem at all. Up to now guards are provided 24 hours in his shrine at the Luneta Park, all expenses paid (by government).

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/editorial/25-january-16-23/967-marcos-burial