Escalante Massacre Anniversary Marked, Calls for Peace and Justice Echo

BACOLOD CITY—Progressive groups led by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) Negros and the Mothers and Relatives of Victims of Tyranny (Martyrs) marked the 41st anniversary of the Escalante Massacre in Negros Occidental on Sunday, paying tribute to the 20 civilians who were killed during the 1985 protest. The victims were killed on Sept. 20, 1985, when security forces opened fire on protesters who were demanding relief from food shortages and political oppression under the Marcos regime. The commemoration included a moment of silence and the laying of wreaths, with participants reaffirming their commitment to peace and justice. They also urged the government to uphold citizens' rights and democratic principles to prevent similar tragedies from recurring. Civil society groups in the Philippines continue to hold commemorations for human rights abuses from the past regime and to ensure that lessons learned are not forgotten. The memory of the Escalante Massacre remains a symbol of the Filipino people's struggle for freedom and justice.