ILOILO City – What began as a commemoration of International Human Rights Day swiftly escalated into one of the strongest public condemnations yet of government corruption and alleged state abuses, as protesters in Iloilo City and Roxas City flooded the streets to denounce what they called the “systematic violation of human rights” under the current political climate.
Organized by progressive groups, the twin mass actions marking the International Human Rights Day delivered a blunt message: corruption is not merely a governance failure — it is an assault on human dignity.
“Ang korapsyon isa man ka laragway sang paglapas sang tawhanon nga kinamatarung, bangud ang pondo nga kun tani para sa pumuluyo, nagakadto sa bulsa sang mga pulitiko,” said Elmer Forro, secretary general of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN)-Panay.
Forro said corruption diverts public resources away from essential services, ultimately “perpetuating inequality” and deepening the hardships of marginalized communities — a violation that, he stressed, should be recognized as a human rights issue.
In Iloilo City, protesters marched from the Infante Flyover to General Luna Street, chanting: “Marcos–Duterte, walang pinag-iba — parehong kurakot! Patalsikin! Patalsikin!” — a call that underscored rising public frustration over what protesters described as systemic injustice and impunity.
The gathering also became a moment of remembrance. Activists invoked the names of slain Western Visayas rights defenders — John Farochilin, Jory Porquia, and the Tumandok 9 — whose killings continue to haunt communities seeking accountability.
At the Iloilo Provincial Capitol, speakers urged participants to guard against the erosion of civil liberties and “continue the struggle long after the banners are folded.”
Parallel Outcry in Capiz
In Roxas City, nearly 200 Capisnons marched along Burgos Street in a simultaneous demonstration led by BAYAN-Capiz, amplifying calls for justice for victims of extrajudicial killings and an end to what they described as militarization in their communities.
The rallyists also pressed for the resignation of the Marcos-Duterte administration, saying the current situation reflects “deepening abuses” that require urgent national reckoning.
Students, workers, farmers, mothers, and senior citizens joined the protest, turning the city plaza into a forum of outrage and solidarity.
Resounding Call for Justice
Human rights advocates said the scale and intensity of the mobilizations in Iloilo and Capiz show a growing demand for systemic reforms and an insistence that justice be served — not just for the fallen activists but for communities affected by inequality, militarization, and corruption.
The demonstrations, they said, were not merely symbolic observances of Human Rights Day, but a renewed pledge to resist oppression.
“Ang pumuluyo gid ang naga-ako sang kabudlay, samtang ang iban naga-enjoy sang kwarta nga indi ila,” one organizer said, echoing the marchers’ anger and resolve./PN