4. Erlinda Taruc-Co
Who She Was: She was the wife of a political detainee. That is to say, she wasn’t the “criminal” in question. She was detained supposedly for safekeeping, yet ended up being beaten and molested for 25 days, after being separated from her 5-year old son while in detention.
What She Did Wrong: She married a political detainee long before he was a political detainee. So, you know, technically, nothing wrong, really.
Who Else Does This Now: Anyone who gets married to someone from the Liberal Party and other non-administration parties, I guess?
The Implication: You don’t need to have done anything wrong to suffer. You just need to love someone who may or may not have done something wrong.
3 .Archimedes Trajano
Who He Was: A student at Mapua who attended an “open” forum involving Imee Marcos. He was tortured then thrown out a window.
What He Did Wrong: He asked Imee Marcos a question that annoyed her. If you’re keeping count, technically, there’s nothing wrong with annoying questions. Teachers put up with it all the time.
Who Else Does This Now: Stephen Villena and everyone who keeps asking where the Yolanda funds are. We don’t know, go ask the guy who misspent it, who happens to be, surprise, surprise a Romualdez.
The Implication: Asking questions is a crime punishable by defenestration.
2. Maria Elena Ang
Who She Was: A Journalism student from UP. She was electrocuted, pistol-whipped, deprived of sleep, and subjected to “sexual indignities.” And, oh. They also threatened her family, to boot.
What She Did Wrong: While people didn’t say, the likely clue is “journalism student.” Most likely wrote something. So, you know, doing what she’s supposed to be doing. Technically, nothing wrong, really.
Who Else Does This Now: The so-called “bias media” and “presstitutes.”
The Implication: Martial rule gives the authorities carte blanche power to do whatever we want to dissenters, and their family.
1. Boyet Mijares
Who He Was: The son of Primitivo Mijares. You know, the writer of “The Conjugal Dictatorship.” One day, he was called to be informed that his father, who disappeared, was still alive. He was taken, then beaten and killed.
What He Did Wrong: He believed these people. That, sadly, was very wrong. Outside of that? He was literally the innocent son of a guy who fought against the government who already likely died, in the first place. Why do you even need to follow that up with the gritty but terrible sequel?
Who Else Does This Now: Mocha Uson’s fans. Carlos Celdran’s fans. We’re not going to pretend only one side is guilty.
The Implication: None of us are safe. None.
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