Human rights lawyer Jose Manuel 'Chel' Diokno paid tribute to the victims of the Escalante Massacre by joining a unity walk during his recent visit to Negros Occidental.
The senatorial aspirant also participated in a candle-lighting ceremony at the Escalante Massacre Monument in Escalante City to commemorate those who died in the bloody incident.
Diokno attended the event with the victims’ families and members of the Robredo People’s Council-Bacolod.
“Kasama ng mga pamilya ng mga biktima ng nasabing massacre at (Together with the families of the victims and the) Robredo People’s Council Bacolod, nagsindi tayo ng kandila bilang pag-alala sa mga pinatay, at bilang simbolo ng hindi natin paglimot sa pagyurak sa karapatang pantao ng maraming Pilipino noong panahon ng (we lighted a candle in remembrance of those killed and it’s a symbol that we’ve not forgotten the human rights of many Filipinos were trampled on during the time of) Martial Law,” Diokno said in a Facebook post.
“Kasama nila, nangangarap tayo ng isang bayang napapangalagaan ang karapatang pantao ng lahat (Together with them, we dream of a country where human rights of everyone are protected),” he added.
Twenty people died while many others were injured when paramilitary forces gunned down civilians during a protest action in connection with the Martial Law anniversary on Sept. 20, 1985 in Escalante, Negros Occidental.
After Escalante City, Diokno joined a caravan to San Carlos City where he met with members of RPC-San Carlos.
The veteran lawyer also met with former Negros Occidental Gov. Rafael “Lito” Coscolluela, who expressed support for his candidacy and his advocacies.
Diokno capped his day with a visit to Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, D.D at the Diocese of San Carlos.