National-democratic groups in Cebu City and Pasay City gathered to light candles and hold a program on July 11 to mark the 40th year of the enforced disappearance of Fr. Rosaleo “Rudy” Romano, C.Ss.R and Levy Ybañez. The groups Desaparecidos, Karapatan, and Karapatan-Central Visayas led the activities in the two cities.

State forces abducted Father Romano on July 11, 1985 in Barangay Tisa, Cebu City. On the same day, in Sanciangko St. in the city, they also abducted human rights defender Levy Ybañez.

Father Romano was a Redemptorist priest and a staunch advocate of justice and human rights during the US-Marcos dictatorship. He served as the first vice president of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) for the Visayas in the 1980s.

As an activist priest, he joined various church missions to help and stand in solidarity with the poor in Samar, Leyte, Dumaguete City, and other parts of the Visayas and Mindanao. His involvement in social issues led the Marcos regime to arrest Father Romano in 1979.

In 1980, he helped establish the Visayas Ecumenical Movement for Justice and Peace and served as the group’s first chairperson. He also worked with labor organizers in forming the Alyansa sa Mga Mamumuo sa Sugbo (AMA Sugbo). He served as spokesperson for three general strikes in the province between 1984 and 1985. He also became part of the Task Force Detainees of the Philippines.

“They are not just among the many victims of the dark and brutal days of Martial Law, but also a painful reminder of the need to carry on their ideals and continue the call for justice,” Karapatan-Central Visayas said.

The group stated that even today, state forces continue to implement the tactic of enforced disappearance to suppress the people who resolutely stand and struggle. Under the Marcos II regime, Karapatan has recorded at least 18 desaparecidos.

“Father Rudy stood for the poor and the oppressed. We continue to honor Fr. Rudy’s memory by persevering through our struggle for truth and justice,” the group added.

According to Bayan-Central Visayas, Father Romano could have chosen to disregard the plight of the poor and pursue a higher role the in the Church hierarchy. Instead he took risks alongside the poor in the struggle for national democracy and freedom.