A major fact-finding mission was conducted in Leyte under the sponsorship of the Human Rights Investigation Commission, co-chaired by Senator Lorenzo Tanada and Ambrosio Padilla. Representatives from various Human Rights Groups including Task Force Detainees of the Philippines, the Ecumenical Movement for Justice and Peace, Concerned Citizens for Justice and Peace, and other youth, student and catholic groups participated with the support of international solidarity groups and journalists. A total of 105 persons were interviewed covering 16 barangays between 1982 and 1985, reporting on 160 cases of incidents ranging from arbitrary arrest, torture, looting, and massacres. The report also indicts Military Infantry and Constabulary elements along with members of the Integrated Civilian Home Defense Forces (ICHDF) as perpetrators. A copy of this report was archived by the Medical Action Group, and later Digitized with the help of the Rizal Library.
Human Rights Investigation Commission. “Leyte: Fear and Pain.” Fact-Finding Mission Report, November 13-16, 1985.
Marcos Martial Law: Never Again is a book by Raissa Robles, a veteran journalist, who comprehensively details the culture of corruption, impunity, and brutality of President Ferdinand E. Marcos’ dictatorship. Robles’ work can be appreciated as a history of torture in the Philippines, with particular focus on the apparent and “deliberate policy” of torture implemented by the Marcos regime. Moreover, Robles paints a vivid picture of torture by citing the actual experiences of Martial Law survivors who endured various torture methods employed by the military.
Robles, Raissa. Marcos Martial Law: Never Again. Filipinos for a Better Philippines, Inc, 2016.
Military Operations in the Mountainous Northern areas of Kalinga-Apayao and Cagayan intensified since 1982, with the Marag valley inhabited by the Isneg tribe declared a “No-man’s land” operation zone on March 1985. Several Human Rights Groups from Manila, Cagayan and Baguio would conduct a fact-finding mission to verify the aerial attacks and alleged military atrocities being reported by the Isneg People. Their report includes a situationer of the region and its people, a recording of bombing and strafing incidents across 8 months, and a list of “salvaging” incidents that took place over the same period. A copy of this report was archived by the Medical Action Group, and later Digitized with the help of the Rizal Library.
Ecumenical Movement for Justice and Peace (EMJP), “Fact-Finding Mission Report: Cagayan Valley and Kalinga-Apayao.” November 4-9, 1985.
