Emily Tolon Garcia was seven months pregnant when her husband Reynaldo, a community organizer of KADENA (Kabataan Para Sa Demokrasya at Nasyonalismo) was abducted in March 1987.
“Kasagsagan pa ng total war policy ni Cory Aquino na ibinaba noong Feb. 1987. After one month ‘yan ang resulta, raid sa mga community, maraming nawala sa mga organizers,†she said in an interview.
Emily was an active union member in a semi-conductor company when her husband went missing.
“Ang tingin ko na nakapag-implicate sa kanya ay ang GRP-NDF peace talks in early 1987. Bilang community worker alam niya ang mga pasikot-sikot, tumutulong siyang magbigay ng security para sa NDF peace negotiator,†she
said.
While searching for her husband, Emily was led to the organization of FIND (Families of Victims of Involuntary Disappearance), where other families of desap are supported and assisted.
She subsequently established Desaparecidos (Pamilya ng Desaparecidos para sa Katarungan) in 1995 in alliance with other human rights org that assist families in searching for their kin, counsels and aids them in their emotional and financial needs.
“Kung nagsurface sana (remains of victim), may dadalawin kang tomb at pwede mo siyang kausapin. Unti-unti mapa-process ang nararamdaman mo hanggang sa maka-cope up ka.â€
It took five grueling five years for Emily now 45 to cope with the loss of her husband. She said she needs to be strong for her daughter and other families in the organization she is in charge with.
“May anak ako kaya kailangan kong maging matatag,†she said. “Sa akin bilang sec gen kailangan magpakita ka ng strong personality para ‘yung mga susunod sa’yo makita ka nila na dapat mag-move on ka na,†Emily said.
Please click the link to read Part One http://www.yamsfiles.com/desaparecidos/