A TikTok video from user @ferdinandmarcos10 featured senatorial aspirant Larry Gadon answering an interview question, “Dapat bang mag-sorry ang mga Marcos para sa mga human rights violations noong panahon ng Martial Law?” Gadon answered no, claiming that most of the deaths during the Martial Law era was done by Joma Sison, the founder of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). “Ang maraming namatay na tao noong Martial Law ay mga NPA na pinatay ni Joma dahil gusto nilang sumurender,” he claimed. Gadon added that the Marcoses need not apologize because Martial Law was declared in response to the “communist threat” posed by the CPP. The video used can be traced back to a “Fast Talk” interview back in 2019, but it has resurfaced again on TikTok as of last week.

CLAIM:

Senatorial aspirant Larry Gadon claims Joma Sison committed most deaths during the Martial Law era

RATING:

FALSE

FACTS:

As documented by the Take Force Detainees of the Philippines from 1972 to 1986, there have been at least 9,000 victims of human rights violations during the Marcos administration. In addition, the Amnesty International mission report estimates that 70,000 were imprisoned, 34,000 were tortured, and 3,240 were killed during this time. The report also lists 88 government torturers by their initials, with their ranks included. These ‘sergeants’ and ‘brigadier generals’ were under the command of the Philippine Army, and the Philippine Constabulary. These reports link state forces during the Martial Law era to the rampant human rights abuses during that time. Meanwhile, Sison was captured in 1977, a few years into Martial Law. He was only released shortly after the People Power uprising when then-President Corazon Aquino ordered the release of political prisoners. There are no reports or investigations that claim – or even suggest – that Sison was able to commit crimes while behind bars.

WHY IT MATTERS:

The TikTok account is a fan page of the late Marcos Sr. that has over 13,300 followers. The video has over 4,794 likes and 103 comments, some of which even supported Gadon’s false claims. – Philip Mateo and Lyka Naranjo

Altermidya Network is part of #FactsFirstPH which brings together various sectors that are committed to promoting truth in the public space, and exacting accountability on those who harm it with lies. For those interested to join the initiative, email info@factsfirst.ph.

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