Retrieved from the online library of the Bantayog Foundation, this copy of the Balita News Tabloid, then owned by Marcos Crony Hanz Menzi, offers perspective on the selection and positioning of media news connected with the Administration. The issue features an article titled “Canadian priest is Harassed by gov’t” referring to the harassment of the clergy in Mindanao – including Canadian Father Pat Kelly and German Nationals arrested with Karl Gaspar. Another article later in the paper also speculates on whether Former Senator Benigno Aquino would be returning in time for the 1984 Parliamentary elections.
Balita News Tabloid. Vol. 5. No. 18. 2 June 1983.
Martial Law in Cebu is a collection of essays that feature first-hand accounts of Cebuanos who were arrested, detained, harassed, and/or tortured by uniformed personnel who implemented the harsh measures of Ferdinand E. Marcos’ Martial Law. From National Artist for Literature Resil Mojares to retired judge Meinrado Paredes, the book offers a glimpse from various sectors in Cebu (e.g. the civil society, legal community, the academe, the press, the religious community, and others) that contended with the dictatorship.
Barcenas, Democrito C. (ed.). Martial Law in Cebu. Cebu: Atty. Democrito C. Barcenas, 2022.
This special issue by the Philippines Free Press, entitled “Tribute to a Hero,” revisits the life and work of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, who was assassinated on the tarmac of the Manila International Airport 10 years before on his way home to the Philippines after years in exile in the United States. The magazine contains many articles that examine the legacy of Aquino and ask questions related to his murder.
“Tribute to a Hero,” Philippines Free Press, August 21, 1993.
This issue of the Balita tabloid, taken from the digital collections of the Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation, was written in the aftermath of the Assassination of Former Senator Benigno Aquino on August 1983. Researchers may find this piece of particular interest given that the tabloid at this time was owned by Marcos Crony Hanz Menzi. A unique perspective from Marcos-affiliated media allows one to observe the type of materials, events, and content highlighted by the piece immediately following Aquino’s death.
Balita News Tabloid. Vol. 11. No. 266. 23 August 1983.
The 25 August 1983 issue of the Tempo makes further note of the investigation of Benigno Aquino’s Assassination. Articles on the investigation of the killing, titled “FBI to Trace Murder Gun”, and the delivery of the slain political leader’s remains to church appear on the front page. Considering that Tempo was owned by Marcos Crony Hanz Menzi, researchers may be interested in this material as a way of observing the perspectives of Marcos-affiliated Media in covering the event as well as other activities taking place in the country at the time. A copy of this news release has been preserved by the Bantayog Foundation’s library.
Tempo News Tabloid. Vol. 2. No. 233. 25 August 1983.
The August 26, 1983 issue of the Tempo tabloid, owned by Marcos Crony Hanz Menzi, includes an article with former Constabulary Chief Fidel Ramos warning against radicals taking advantage of the assassination of Benigno Aquino. The piece, titled “We’re Ready – Ramos”, further states the preparations being made to secure the attendance of the Aquino Family during the upcoming funeral procession. Retrieved from the Bantayog ng mga Bayani Digital Archive, this source offers a perspective into the positioning of the Marcos Administration in documenting and representing the assassination event and its aftermath.
Tempo News Tabloid. Vol. 2. No. 234. 26 August 1983.
Reports of the Fact-Finding Board on the Assassination of Senator Benigno Aquino Jr., Manila: Mr and Ms Publishing Company, Octobter 1984.
Extensive report of the Agrava Commission investigating the assassination of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino. The report concluded that the assassination was a military conspiracy, not a communist plot as dictator Ferdinand Marcos had insisted.
View link for more information.
Task Force Detainees of the Philippines. Political Detainees of the Philippines Book 3. Association of Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines, n.d.
Vizmanos, Danilo. Martial Law Diary and Other Papers. Quezon City: KEN Incorporated. 2003.
On 28 September 1972, less than a week after declaring Martial Law, President Ferdinand Marcos held a press conference on the state of the country. In this appearance, he reassures Filipinos that things are much better since his declaration and congratulates himself for “the sudden cessation of anarchy and criminality throughout the land.” He also proclaimed that he was implementing land reform throughout the Philippines and pledged that his administration would respect human rights.
This became a standard message during the Marcos regime under Martial Law, although most of the content were false and empty promises.
“President Marcos Press Conference on the State of Martial Law,” Associated Press Archives, September 28, 1972.
This 24-minute documentary features oral history accounts of the survivors of the Palimbang Massacre that happened in the town of Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat on September 24, 1974.
Commission on Human Rights, “Mga Kuwento sa Malisbong,” Youtube video, 24:45, May 6, 2016, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FwiPx4VxW4
This is a short clip of the 2016 annual re-enactment of the Escalante Massacre that happened on September 20, 1985 in Escalante, Negros Occidental. This commemoration is done by Escalante’s theater and grassroots organizations.
Cultural Center of the Philippines, “31st Anniversary Re-Enactment of Escalante Massacre,” YouTube video, 6:01, October 17, 2016, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jRRg3SPIw4
