- MITCH M. LIPA
Progressive groups in Negros Island continue to seek justice for the killing of militant group leader, Zara Alvarez, a year ago.
Militant groups in the country and friends and supporters abroad also commemorated the life of one of the known activists in Negros Island.
Zara was a human rights advocate, educator, paralegal, and prominent social activist, who predominantly campaigned against human rights violations during the administrations of Erap Estrada, Gloria Arroyo, Noynoy Aquino, and the present president, Rodrigo Duterte.
She was shot dead August 17, 2020 while on her way to her rented apartment in Eroreco Mandalagan, Bacolod City, after attending the burial of a friend.
Karapatan Negros leader Julius Dagatan, who is in Germany, initiated the gathering of supporters to remember Zara, by putting memorial sign, streamers, and banners calling for justice.
“Remembering Zara is remembering the lives of the exploited masses of Negros Island,” Dagatan said in a Facebook post.
Karapatan and Bayan Negros said that commemorating her life will remind them that she fought for land for farmers, jobs and benefits for the most exploited workers, and rights for the majority of the Filipino people. “Her life was a reminder that we are to continue what she started and hopefully finish it.”
The Diocese of San Carlos also remembered Zara’s death, that coincided with the one-year anniversary of the “Days of Action to Stop The Killings”, a call initiated by the Social Action Office of the Diocese.
Bishop Gerardo Alminaza led the activities Monday in calling for the continued ringing of church bells, because, “even until today, the killings have not stopped,” he said.
“The list of those extra-judicially killed in our island is filled with the selfless, generous, compassionate, hard-working, and courageous,” he added.
The bishop also said that progressive groups must continue to speak since “silence kills”, and to remember the other victims of extra-judicial killings, whose most basic and God-given right – the Right to Life – were violated. – MML
