ON THE eve of the 44th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law, Ateneo students, faculty, and administration gathered at Gate 2.5 along Katipunan Avenue for a noise barrage protest. They were joined by different groups such as Akbayan Youth and the Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan. The event was organized by the Sanggunian together with the Duyan ng Magiting (Cradle of the Brave), an alliance against the burial of Ferdinand Marcos in the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
The purpose of the barrage was to commemorate and seek for justice for Martial Law victims. The theme of the protest was “Forgiveness demands justice. No to Marcos’ burial at Libingan ng mga Bayani.”
Noise Barrage during Martial Law
Noise barrages were a common form of protest during the First Quarter Storm and the Martial Law era. Through word-of-mouth, rallyists gathered on the streets and made noise by shouting, banging their pans, drums, car horns, and anything that could make loud noise. These demonstrations took place outside different government buildings, schools, and the homes of government officials.
Many students participated in the noise barrage protests then, which is what prompted the Sanggunian to recreate this kind of protest.
During the event, illustration boards, banners and signs (some read “Forgiveness Demands Justice,” “#NeverAgain,” and “Marcos Is Not a Hero”), candles, and whistles were passed around. Participants then started encouraging vehicles to honk their horns. Organizers led the crowd in chanting, “Hindi tayo titigil hanggang makamit ito! (We will not stop until we achieve [justice]!)” Participants also chanted “Busina, busina para sa hustisya! (Honk, honk for justice!)” in unison.
Despite the heavy rain, the participants did not stop shouting and whistling. After the rain stopped, candles and torches were lit in memory of the Martial Law victims. The barrage ended after two hours with the singing of Bayan Ko, a patriotic song that was banned from the airwaves during Martial Law.
Reaching out to the community
The noise barrage brought both Ateneans and non-Ateneans together to fight for justice. Vice President of Social Development Atty. Jaime Hofilena, explained that the barrage was a good opportunity for the Ateneo community to be interactive with the masses coming through Katipunan. “[Ateneans are] noisy everywhere else, but sometimes we need to be noisy on the street,” added Brian Giron, a lecturer from the History Department.
“It feels good to know you’re not alone in your advocacies,” said Anitta Nuevo of the Loyola Schools Office of Social Concern and Involvement. She said that the Marcos burial is a symbol that needs to be fought with another symbol, the noise barrage. For her, the noise barrage is an avenue to express one’s feelings and thoughts against the burying of Marcos in the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
Blessilde Limoso (4 AB IS) said the barrage is important in helping fellow students remember the events during Martial Law, because they were not yet born during this time. “History always has something to remind us about in terms of mistakes,” she added.
Vice President of the Loyola Schools Maria Luz Vilches, PhD said this was a good opportunity to bring people together and spread awareness on the issue. For her, the event was very important for the youth. “Situations like this can help us make a discernment. They [the youth] will have to make a stand,” she said.
