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Two martyrs

Dom-an and Pepe were anticipating a warm reunion in the afternoon of November 29,2005. Dom-an was arriving from Hong Kong where she was prematurely terminated by her employer. Sadly, there was no Pepe to meet her at the airport. In the morning of November 29, Dom-an already knew that Pepe was not coming because Pepe was brutally gunned and killed by an unknown hitman, undoubtedly an agent of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Pepe sustained 22 gunshots all over his body at around 10 PM on November 28 in sitio Apatot, San Esteban, Ilocos Sur while waiting for a bus to Manila.

The brutal killing of Pepe Manegdeg did not only left Dom-an widowed but left two young children orphaned, Andrea, 9 years old and Dodo, 7. The inconsolable children, Andrea especially, only knew that their doting father was already lifeless and will never come home with his sweet smiles and warm self. While their mother, Dom-an made all the explanations, the young minds have yet to truly understand why their loving and responsible father was killed.

Pepe was mercilessly killed but his aspirations, principles and struggles are very much alive. His determination to struggle with the peasants, indigenous peoples, women, church people and the poor will live in our hearts and our lives. He was Dom-an’s husband, friend, source of strength and understanding, and most of all, comrade. He was father to Andrea and Dodo. Pepe was brother and uncle not only to his relatives but to the countless persons whose lives were touched by Pepe’s leadership, reflections and teachings. Pepe’s blood will nourish the land of raging peasants in Ilocos desiring to be freed from feudal and semi-feudal bondage and all forms of oppression and exploitation.

Elvira will be celebrating her 40th birthday on December 16 without her loving husband, Albert Terredano. Their daughter, Alvie Cris will be having her 10th birthday on December 18 without his father. Albert Jan, the first child of Elvira and Albert was grieving deeply like her mother and her younger sister. For Albert Jan, his father is the best, a model. Their father had always been around to give guidance and provide the most needed assurance.

A lone fatal bullet shot from an unknown assailant hit Albert while on his way to the Department of Agrarian Reform office in Bangued, Abra where he is an employee at around 8:45 on November 29. His attending physician declared that Albert was out of danger and that assured his family and colleagues that he will survive. But Albert succumbed 7 hours later. No provincial official of Abra spoke against the brutal slay.

The peasants of Abra Valley whom Albert worked with are now raging and calling for justice. While a government employee, Albert did not limit his work within the confines of the DAR office. He spent most of his precious time with the peasants of Bangued and Tayum. He stood with the peasants’ struggle in asserting that they should be the primary beneficiaries of an irrigation project which is being contested by various interest groups including politicians. He had always been a staunch defender of human rights of the poor and persevered in instilling courage among government employees to set up their union as a venue to address legitimate issues of the public sector. He extended his support in the setting of BIDANG-Innabuyog, the provincial alliance of women’s organizations in Abra and had always been part of BIDANG’s activities. Albert was a father, a husband, a model government employee, a dedicated public servant, a friend, a human rights defender and a comrade. He is able to divide his time for his family and groups he works with.

We don’t like more women to be widowed and children orphaned.

Two martyrs of the peasants, of the people. Two finest human rights defenders who were slain by state forces in a clear attempt to silence peoples’ resistance against state terrorism and exploitation. Two husbands, fathers and men who without doubt, delivered their responsibilities to their wives and children while giving their precious time in truly serving the people. Two men who understood sincerely women’s issues and struggles and contributed in advancing the women’s movement. Two men who dedicated their lives in building the church of the people. Two martyrs who had a mission….peoples’ liberation. They will never die in our hearts, in our struggle. Justice for Pepe and Albert will be achieved by continuing the peoples’ struggle for self-determination and national democracy. #

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