ILOILO CITY -- There’s an online petition calling to build a formal museum for Evelio Javier, the slain governor of Antique province and one of the key players who ignited the 1986 People Power and ended the Marcos regime.
The petition is being pushed by a group which wants Antique Governor Rhodora “Dodod” Cadiao or the national government to pay proper homage to the fallen governor after it was allegedly uncovered that memorabilia belonging to the hero fondly called “Beloy” have been neglected.
“It is high time we act on this much-delayed proper recognition of the hero whose courageous spirit still enlivens us when confronted with threats or coercion from traditional politicians 36 years after his death,” said the group via a petition on change.org.
Javier, an ally of President Cory Aquino, was assassinated at the town plaza of the capital San Jose de Buenavista on February 11, 1986. He was there as part of the team monitoring the canvassing of votes during the 1986 snap elections.
Last Wednesday, Antiqueños expressed disgust over the state of Javier’s memorabilia which included the bloodied clothes he wore when he was killed.
“We are aghast, disgusted, and enraged upon learning such a careless display of negligence and complete disregard for the remaining personal items, publications, and memorabilia of our beloved and revered hero,” they expressed.
The Javier memorabilia has been moved several times and the latest was when the old provincial capitol was renovated.
On her part, Cadiao assured she is willing to issue an executive order for the formal creation of a museum for Javier.
But Cadiao questioned the timing of the group that includes the hero’s son, Gideon.
“Why ask for a museum now? Why didn’t he ask his uncle? His uncle was in power for almost 30 years,” Cadiao pointed out.
Cadiao was referring to former governor Exequiel “Boy Ex” Javier, who interchangeably served as Antique governor and congressman from 1987 to 2016.
Cadiao also added that Gideon and his family are welcome to get the hero’s memorabilia if they think the Antique provincial government is neglecting it.
This is not the first time there was a call to build a museum for the local hero who also had national significance. Several attempts were made in the past.