Two Naga lawyers honored as heroes

Two human rights lawyers-writers from Naga City were among six new heroes honored last Nov 30, Bonifacio Day, on the Bantayog ng mga Bayani's Wall of Remembrance.

The late Atty. Luis General, Jr and Atty. J. Antonio Carpio, both Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG-Bikol) lawyers, contributed to fighting tyranny and the dictatorship with their exemplary contributions as Bicolandia’s leading human rights lawyers.

Atty. General was an esteemed veteran peryodista of renowned local newspapers such as Naga Times, Balalong, and Handiong that tackled social issues in the region, exposed abuse, and stood up for freedom of the press. Considered “the conscience of the community,” he was detained after the declaration of martial law.

Atty. Carpio was a leading figure in Bicol’s movement for societal change, Kilusang Mamamayan para sa Tunay na Demokrasya (KMTD) and in fighting for the rights of the victims and families involved in the Daet Massacre of 1981. This led to his subsequent unlawful arrest and detention.

Retired RTC Judge Soliman M. Santos Jr, who had worked with the two FLAG lawyers in anti-Marcos dictatorship advocacy and human rights lawyering for political detainees, nominated them.

This year’s ceremony had former Vice President of the Philippines Atty. Leni Robredo as guest of honor.

The Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation adds names to its roster annually, "to recognize, honor, and popularize the lives of the individuals who joined the resistance against the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos." There are 326 names on the Wall of Remembrance at present.

The live stream of the ceremonies last Nov 30 are available on the Bantayog ng mga Bayani Facebook page.

SIX BAYANIS UNVEILED AT THE BANTAYOG WALL OF REMEMBRANCE. PHOTOS FROM ATTY. LUIS RUBEN M. GENERAL