My first rally was on International Human Rights Day, December 10, 1982, in front of the gate of Camp Aguinaldo along Edsa – when Edsa did not have an MRT or a flyover at the corner of Boni Serrano.
We were about 20. I remember mostly young priests and some nuns in white. I was invited to join by Ellene S, then just an acquaintance made through Ludi A. I was not a member of any group (yet). I don’t remember particularly being badgered to go. I guess my schedule was free, it was on the way home, and I was curious even as I was cautious (As a freshman that time, I had been, like many others, warned against aktibistas).
After the short rally, I went home excited to tell my mother about the experience, and she listened intently.
“How could going to the rally be wrong when priests and nuns were there?”
“It was a peaceful rally. Nobody was hurt – neither the small police contingent nor our small group.”
“They just wanted to have some political detainees released.”
Then, as now, the gates were closed.
