Burnaby, BC, 10 February 2025 – To all the Martial Law torture victims and Desaparecidos of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. in the Philippines
Liliosa Hilao, Martyred By Bella Balisi-Bevilacqua In Sorsogon’s heart, a girl was born, Liliosa Hilao, with courage, sworn. In school, her mind was bright, A scholar unbowed by endless fight. Her pen was sharp, her thoughts were free, A voice for truth, unbent by decree. Though frail in body, she stood so tall, A leader in mind, inspiring all. In college halls, her words took flight, The voice of justice, in the darkest night. Her pen wrote of a country in distress, Of a regime’s lies and its deep suppress. "Democracy is dead," she boldly claimed, Her works a challenge, her spirit untamed. Not in the streets did she take her stand, But in the written word, a force unplanned. But March was cruel, and April worse, A raid by night, a fate immersed. In darkness’s grip, they took her hand, A captive soul in a broken land. Beaten and bruised, they left her scarred, Her cries unheard, her soul marred. Her sister watched; her heart did break, Knowing full well the price they'd take. Days passed, her body torn and worn, Her spirit was frail but never shorn. They said she died by acid’s wrath, But truth emerged in the aftermath. Her name now etched in history’s book, A martyr’s path, no second look. In silent strength, she gave her all, For freedom’s fight, she stood so tall. Though her life was brief, her legacy wide, Her spirit rose with each rising tide. A street, a name, forever known, Liliosa’s light is brightly shown. In hearts she lives a symbol strong, Her battle echoed in a nation’s song. No longer silent, no longer ignored, Liliosa Hilao is forever adored.
(MBB)
