An Unforgettable Journey: Detention in Manila in 1972 and a Story of Survival Under the Shadow of Martial Law
An Unforgettable Journey: Detention in Manila in 1972 and a Story of Survival Under the Shadow of Martial Law November 22, 1972, was supposed to be a homecoming surprise, but it ultimately turned into a weeks-long detention ordeal. This experience was not just a personal suffering; it also reflected the social darkness of the Philippines during the Marcos martial law era (1972-1981)—abuse of power under authoritarian rule, lack of human rights, and the helplessness and struggle of ordinary people under systemic oppression. I. Sudden Change on Homecoming: From Airport Interrogation to Detention on "Engineering Island" 1. Terror at the Airport: Identity Doubts Triggered by Passports Filled with anticipation, I returned to Manila, only to face intense questioning by immigration officers at the airport. My inability to speak Filipino (only English) and "contradictions" in my passport records immediately aroused suspicion: My first passport, issued in 19...