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"Woman to Woman Babaylan Series
2 "/December 2002/JNA
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Woman-to-Woman
Babaylan Series
Series 2:
Marie Hilao-Enriquez is a dedicated voice in the human rights forefront in behalf of the human rights victims in the Philippines. She has been active in the national democratic struggle of the Filipino people since the 1970's, as a student in the University of the Philippines. In her early 20's, Marie was imprisoned as a leader of the nationalist youth organization, Kabataang Makabayan. Having to survive that experience, Marie Hilao-Enriquez played a key role in the historic class-action lawsuit against the Marcos estate, as part of the 10,000 victims of human rights violations in the Philippines. Marie Hilao-Enriquez was invited by the Filipino Workers Action Center
in Seattle, Washington on December 9, 2002, on the eve of Human Rights
Day, to speak about the alarming human rights condition in the Philippines.
MHE: Thank you for having me. JNA: Why are you so passionate about the issue of human rights? Why is this issue so important to you? MHE: First of all, I was a victim of human rights violation. In addition, during the time of Martial Law, my family was violated and my sister Liliosa Hilao, who was at that time just a senior college student, was detained and was killed inside prison. My sister was the first woman political prisoner killed during Martial Law. She died April 6, 1973, two days after her arrest. I was also detained for one year and nine months, and even gave birth inside prison. My husband, my brother, my sister-in-law, and my youngest children were also detained because of Martial Law. So, most of my family spent time as political prisoners. Because I was a nursing mother, I was the first one in my family to be released due to the hunger strike that we staged inside prison. When I got out of prison, I promised myself to do work to release the political prisoners in the Philippines, and also work for human rights issues so that the younger generations wouldn't suffer. That is why I am very passionate about this issue. JNA: That is very moving. And yes, I can see why this issue is very personal to you. As a former political prisoner, what are some of the experiences you have encountered? MHE: It still hurts. It was a very painful process for all of us former political prisoners to document our experiences inside the prison. The first arrest, I was able to escape, which was why they had their eye on Liliosa, my sister. The second time I was arrested, it was October 8, 1974, in Pampanga. That was the time when I was really isolated from all my family and relatives. JNA: And how old were you then? MHE: I was just twenty years old. I had to go underground because of Liliosa's death. They were looking for me and they were also looking for my brother. I was more psychologically harmed than physically harmed, with the threats of being raped and being harmed, if I do not tell them what they want. It was especially hard when my husband and my brother were inside prison where they were continuously stripped naked, tortured, and were beaten black and blue. JNA: What kept your hope alive while you were inside prison? MHE: First, our convictions were proven right and what we were standing to believe in was true, even if there was a huge price. For that, I would be glad to die for my country. JNA: Was there a part of you that felt like that was the end of your life? MHE: Yes. That is why I told my friends that when you come to the point when you have stared death at the face, no fear would come to you. It is like the rising and the setting of the sun after that. In the process, you learn not to be afraid. JNA: Your life is certainly a testimony for a lot of us to continue to stand for and believe in what is right, and continue to fight for the issues we are passionate about. Your story is indeed a testament of that. MHE: Yes, I am thankful to have that. JNA: How would you compare the human rights violations at the time when you were a political prisoner and the human right violations now? MHE: I am saddened and alarmed that what happened in the past is happening again right now. It is not to say that no violations occurred during Aquino, or Ramos, or even Estrada's administration. However, with Arroyo's administration, I am very angry and concerned about the human rights violations happening in the Philippines to the Filipino people. JNA: What are the some of the challenges the human rights organizations are facing in the Philippines? MHE: One of the biggest challenges is for us to organize our people more to face this very big fight of human rights violations. The hurdles the human rights organizations are facing now are by far unmatched in history, with people missing, killed, tortured, amongst many other human rights violations. JNA: What are some of the progress the human rights organization has accomplished during this time despite its struggles? MHE: We are pleased that there are many younger people who are involved and active in wanting to be in the forefront of the struggle. JNA: It must be encouraging to see the younger generation willing to continue to fight for the human rights issues you believe in. Earlier, you mentioned that the main reason you are touring the United States and Canada is to inform the Filipinos outside of the Philippines about the human rights violations happening right now in the country. So, how can Filipinos in the Diaspora work together with the Filipinos in the Philippines to further the work in human rights issues and educate others about this matter? MHE: I think that one of the responsibilities to themselves and to their people is first to know about the human rights violations and the alarming situation in the Philippines, and then to act on it. Also, understand how globalization affects the rest of the world, including the Philippines. It is also important for the all the Filipino organizations to unite and mobilize in working together as a bigger group for the human rights issue. JNA: Definitely, there is strength in numbers and a larger voice for the people when organizations unite as one. MHE: Yes, that is very true. It is really important for all organizations to move together, than having smaller organizations move on their own. JNA: Where do you go from here? What are your next steps in furthering the issue of human rights? MHE: Currently, I am on a speaking tour to release the facts and truth about the human rights violations in the Philippines. I plan to continue this work of letting others know about the situation on human rights in the Philippines. JNA: It is visible that your life have been enriched and blessed through your experiences and your work on this crucial issue. MHE: Yes, I have met many great people along the way. I feel very privileged to have that experience. JNA: I do believe that everything happens for a reason towards a higher purpose to answer our calling in life. Would you change anything that happened in your life? MHE: No, no, I would not change anything. I have no regrets. Though I am not a wealthy person, I am very wealthy with friends. I have met many good friends through my struggles. Those experiences cannot be bought. JNA: Not even your days as a political prisoner? MHE: Not even that. That experience made me a better person, and a stronger person. It also made my belief stronger. I also learned that there is always something good in every human being. JNA: Truly, there is a reason for everything and a light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you so much Marie. You are such an inspirational person. I thank you for sharing your story, and please do continue the inspiring work that you are doing. My philosophy in service is that if our work inspires one, then we have done our job. You have certainly inspired many and we thank you for that. MHE: Thank you so much.
(Republished with permission from the author and editor-in-chief of Filipino American Herald. Article originally published at Filipino American Herald on December 2002.)
"Woman-to-Woman Babaylan Series: Giving Her
Story for History" _____________________ About the author:: Ms. Joann Natalia Aquino is a freelance professional writer/ journalist, and a Legislative Liaison working on public policy development and legislative relations regarding Asian Pacific American affairs. In her spare time, she is also an Editor for a few publications (print and online), and is currently writing her first book "The Re-awakening of the Babaylan: Her Story," along with other shelved writing projects, she vows to finish sometime in her lifetime. At the moment, she juggles her time traveling between Seattle and New York, the places she both calls her "home." To reach the author, please e-mail: joannnatalia@newfilipina.com or editor@newfilipina.com .
Open Forum! Share your stories and experiences on this topic at the Immigrating from the Philippines Discussion in our MagsalitaKa (Speak Out) Section. ©Copyright 2002. Joann Natalia Garcia Aquino. All rights reserved.
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