A TikTok video posted by @norte_2k claims that the Marcoses were kidnapped after the 1986 EDSA People Power. The video showed various spliced footages, including an interview of Imelda Marcos taken from the documentary film The Kingmaker. She said, “It is not true that we fled from our country, we were kidnapped. They told us we were going to Paoay, a town in Ilocos, only to be brought to Hawaii.”

The video was posted with the caption, “Pina-kidnap ang pamilya Marcos, hindi nila iniwan ang Pinas! Andaming nauto ng mga Aquino.”

CLAIM:

The Marcoses were kidnapped after 1986 EDSA People Power

RATING:

FALSE

FACTS:

On February 25, 1986, after the negotiations for the late Marcos Sr. to step down, US ambassador Stephen Bosworth informed then-President Cory Aquino that Marcos Sr. was persuaded to leave the country by accepting the Americans’ offer to leave Malacañang. However, there was no discussed destination yet.

Despite Marcos Sr.’s decision to “die in the Palace,” his daughters pleaded for him to take the helicopter to Clark and “make the departure for the US.” They reasoned that they could not possibly come out of Malacañang alive. This proves that the Marcoses were not kidnapped by the Americans. According to the Associated Press, Marcos Sr. certainly made no complaint when he first arrived in US territory. When he landed in Hawaii on February 26, he met for an hour with the state’s governor, George Ariyoshi.

WHY IT MATTERS:

As of writing, the TikTok video has over 202,800 views, 21,500 likes, 788 comments, and 575 shares. The account itself is followed by 1,230 users. – Philip Mateo

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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