On June 20, members of the organizations of victims and relatives of victims of
human rights violations, Desaparecidos
and Hustisya! as well as the human
rights alliance, KARAPATAN, turned out in a jubilant mood to show their support
to the wedding of torture survivor Raymond Manalo, and his sweetheart, Kristel
Alminiana, in a simple ceremony at the St. Andrew’s Theological Seminary in
Quezon City.
On June 20, members of the organizations of victims and relatives of victims of
human rights violations, Desaparecidos
and Hustisya! as well as the human
rights alliance, KARAPATAN, turned out in a jubilant mood to show their support
to the wedding of torture survivor Raymond Manalo, and his sweetheart, Kristel
Alminiana, in a simple ceremony at the St. Andrew’s Theological Seminary in
Quezon City.
Raymond
marks this event as another milestone in his life with the full support of
human rights advocates as they stood as his and Kristel’s entourage, namely: Senators
Jamby Madrigal and Chiz Escudero, House representatives Satur Ocampo, Liza
Maza, Rafael Mariano and Erin Tañada as principal sponsors. Human Rights
Commissioner Leila de Lima, Raymond’s lawyers Rex Fernandez and Jose Manuel
Diokno, Karapatan secretary general Marie Hilao-Enriquez, also stood as ninongs and ninangs with Mrs. Edita
Burgos and Mrs. Connie Empeño. Other
members of the entourage include relatives of the desaparacidos, such as Mr. and Mrs. Asher Cadapan and Mrs. Lolita
Robiños.
Fr.
Dionito Cabillas, member of the national council of Karapatan, officiated the
ceremony.
Raymond
Manalo, together with his brother, Reynaldo, was abducted on February 14, 2006,
tortured by members of the military and kept in incommunicado detention for 18
long months until his and his brother’s escape in August 2007. He was also
witness to the torture of UP students Sherlyn Cadapan, Karen Empeño, their
companion farmer Manuel Merino and other individuals while he was in captivity.
Since
his escape, Raymond has told his story to the world, even testifying before the
United Nations Committee Against Torture in Geneva this April. He has assisted the
families of the desaparecidos search for their loved ones. His testimony
is proof that the Armed Forces of the Philippines is behind the
extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances of many activists. His story
led to the identification of and excavation, with the Commission on Human
Rights and Karapatan, at a former military camp where burned fragments of human
bones, believed to be Merino’s, were found.
While
waiting for protection to be granted in his petition for the writ of amparo, and for the decision of the
Ombudsman and Regional Trial Court where he filed charges against the notorious
General Jovito Palparan, Jr., identified as one of the perpetrators of his
capture, Raymond has been participating in the people’s movement as a member of
Hustisya! (Victims of Arroyo Regime United for Justice).
Love in the midst of searching for justice
Raymond
met Kristel Alminiana, 23, while he was in sanctuary following his escape.
Their friendship grew as Kristel learned to understand what Raymond has gone
through and what he is now fighting for.
Despite
the threats and risks surrounding Raymond, Kristel chose to be with him and to
support him in his struggle for justice. She, a girl with simple dreams, has
stood by Raymond as he recounted his ordeal in the hands of his captors.
Raymond
would still be bothered by horrible dreams at night, but Kristel would be
beside him, waking him up and assuring him that it was all a bad dream.
The
couple is blessed with a healthy baby boy born on Easter Sunday this year, just
a few days before Raymond flew to Geneva.
Tomorrow will be their first Father’s Day together as a family.
Continuing struggle
Raymond
vows not to stop seeking justice for all victims of human rights violations. He
works with human rights group, Karapatan, other victims of human rights
violations and their families, with hopes that one day the perpetrators will be
tried, indicted for their crimes and punished so that the impunity will end and
justice will be served to the victims.
"Gusto kong
magkaroon ng tunay na hustisya at seguridad, para na rin sa pamilya ko, anak ko
at magiging anak niya (I want to have
genuine justice and security, not only for myself, but also for my family and
child, and for his future children as well), Raymond said.###