I still can't get over thinking about the fate of the 57 Filipinos brutally murdered in Maguindanao. Makes one think how can a person do such a crime. Im just glad that charges have been filed against Mayor Ampatuan Jr. the prime suspect of the crime. I hope and pray that justice will be granted to all victims of this horrible murder.My blog has moved!You should be automatically redirected in 5 seconds. If not, visit redirectLink" href='http://69.195.124.88/~thelivm0/2009/12/03/remembering-primitivo-mijares-and-his-message-to-maguindanao/'> http://69.195.124.88/~thelivm0/2009/12/03/remembering-primitivo-mijares-and-his-message-to-maguindanao/ and update your bookmarks.
I got a big surprised last year when I ordered a used copy of Mijares' "Conjugal Dictatorship" from an independent book seller on Amazon. The book has been out of print for many years so the book was a rare find. When I got the book in the mail, I discovered the copy has a personal signed message from Mijares himself dated Nov. 27, 1976 addressed to the original owner of the book. Thought I'll post a photo of his message online - I think of it as a reminder of hope and prayer for the restoration of personal freedom and democracy to all affected by the Maguindanao Massacre and victims of all unresolved cases of political violence in the Philippines.
I never heard of Primitivo Mijares until now. People come and go and are virtually forgotten but from time to time they are remembered. I hope the bravery of all these women, women lawyers, the father of one lawyer and the journalists will never be forgotten.
ReplyDeleteIm glad you know him now. Mijares was a columnist for the now defunct Manila Chronicle and was Marcos' "media czar" until he defected from his administration in 1975. His commitment in honoring the history of the Philippines and the journalism profession was in his core values thats why he was willing to risk his life just to expose the truth about martial law. People like him should never be forgotten and should be introduced to the younger generation.
ReplyDeleteI had come across this book on the net and become so interested on it....i would like to have a copy...if you know how can i avail this...please let me know...i would even accept a photocopy of it....you can contact me at clarisse@hotmail.ph
ReplyDeleteSince you have a copy of his book can you inform me at Jossdiaz919@hotmail.com how Mijares died? Was he killed because of this book?
ReplyDeleteAs I indicated on my blog post, he mysteriously disappeared.
ReplyDeletePrimivito Mijares is my grandfather and his son is my Uncle. I never got to meet them both, cause they were gone long before I was born. I wish I got to meet my grandfather, though. He's an amazing man. And about the disappearance.. He was gone for so long, that the court actually declared him dead. So basically, he is dead. Nobody has ever found his body till this day.
ReplyDeleteI heard about the court deciding his death. Thanks for the visit and the comment. Mijares is a great man and many Filipinos should learn more about him.
ReplyDeleteHaha, no problem. I actually visited my Uncle's grave yesterday. How did you got a hold of a signed book, by the way? :)
ReplyDeleteI bought it from Amazon. I tried contacting the book seller to ask where he/she got the book but I didnt get a response.
ReplyDeleteMy grandmother (Judge Priscilla Mijares) has a lot of copies and I heard is selling as well. If you know anyone who would like a copy, tell me :)
ReplyDeletesa project six pa rin ba sya nakatira!? kilala kasi ng erpat ko yan noong humaharap sya sa sala noong 80's city hall ng manila magkano po kaya libro
Deletepaki email na lang reply sanjuro1108@yahoo.com
Would love to have a copy. Kindly tell me how much and how I may be able to get a copy. Please e-mail etinio88@yahoo.com Thank you.
DeleteThank you for posting this... my grandfather is one of the unsung heroes in the Philippines during Martial Law. His book should once again be published!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you completely. Thank you too for spending time to comment on my blog post - it's very encouraging. It's an honor to connect and engage with members of his family.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, feel free to contact me privately with your information in case someone ask me how to order copies of Mijares' book.
ReplyDeletePlease read Erick San Juan's book "Conspiracies and Controversies" to learn about Mijares' death.
ReplyDeleteIs this book in print still?
Deletei read the book of PM, i feel pity on him.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for just butting in but I really need to know how to contact any of Mijares' relatives.I am a writer for Matanglawin- the official publication of Ateneo de Manila in Filipino- and I'm working on an article about whistleblowers. I, together with my co-writers, am planning to feature his story. If anyone knows how to contact any of his relatives please e-mail me at panayamsamata@yahoo.com. Thank you!
ReplyDelete-Pao Hernandez
he's my dear uncle and until now, he is still fondly remembered as a brave citizen who rose against the wrong doings of Marcos, The Dictator...
ReplyDeletei am so happy to learn of this blog for kuya tibong, that's how we called him. he may not have been a saint in the strictest sense of the word but he was truly a nationalist who loved his country so much he risked and actually gave up his life to expose those who were abusing it and its people! from informal sources, unverified as it may be, we learned they were able to capture him by diverting the plane he took from hawaii to guam to manila where he was to deliver a lecture. he was raising funds to publish the sequel to his first book which contained the more meaty information on actual decisions and policies done and adopted during the dictatorship. of course the manuscript was captured with him. who knows, it may still be around if the subjects of that manuscript have masochistic tendencies and are keeping it to amuse themselves!
ReplyDeleteWow, that's amazing! Thanks for sharing that story. I knew he's an extra ordinary man and deserves a special tribute. This blog is just my personal simple way to express it. I admire his bravery for sticking to do what is right no matter the consequences. I hope many Filipinos will emulate it.
ReplyDeleteHi! I've already read your grandfather's book, I would like to ask if there is second part or maybe another book written by your grandfather? thank you and regards
ReplyDeleteWhere can we buy the book? kindly message me at borntrippy80@yahoo.com - i just saw the martial law docu at knowledge channel and my heart broke when they shared the story of his son :(
ReplyDeleteAs a guest at Manila Hotel in 2005, I happened to talk to P. Mijares III who was the General Manager of the hotel, and the son/grandson of the great Tibong Mijares, Jr., who was also from the same town in Batangas as I am.
ReplyDeleteHe sadly informed me that there was still no word where Ka Tibong's body is.
To Pao: I'm not sure if PM III is still at Manila Hotel, but it would be worth checking with them so you could connect with Ka Tibong's direct relative if PM III still works there.
Good luck.
Frank --- Toronto, Canada
Frank-
ReplyDeleteThanks for that interesting insight.
Jason
i read from author Sterling Seagrave about what happened to Tibo Mijares, here, please read my link..
ReplyDeletehttp://jcc34.wordpress.com/2012/08/22/why-is-it-easy-to-believe-that-marcos-ordered-ninoy-killed/
JCC - Thank you for the link. Your article is very gripping- I bookmarked it. I would like to re-post your article on my site with proper credit to you.
DeleteThe Marcos presidency was really an interesting era in the Philippines. Very turbulent. I really hope the Marcoses will eventually be held accountable to their actions. Filipinos will never forget.
http://jcc34.wordpress.com/2012/08/22/why-is-it-easy-to-believe-that-marcos-ordered-ninoy-killed/
ReplyDeletethanks jason.. you may repost my article at will. :)
ReplyDeleteJason,
ReplyDeleteMay I suggest that you publish this article or blog every now and then so the younger generation will know the evil things done by the dictator Ferdinand Marcos. I hope this item will be read by all electorates for this coming election so they may be guided. I am a senior citizen now and I experienced what life was during martial law.
What you're suggesting is exactly the mission of this article. I'll definitely post on the subject more often. Thank you po. - Jason
DeleteFr. David presumably is the same Catholic priest we knew from Detroit area or Highland Park where I think he used to live. He is known among Filipinos in Detroit. We have invited him once in our house in Lansing during one of Infant Jesus (Sto. Ninio)visit to residence of devotees. Mr. Mijares must have been in Detroit and meet Padre David. A. A Derilo, Round Rock, Tx.
ReplyDeleteMr. Derilo,
DeleteThank you for the insight on the identity of Fr. David. It's possible that it could be him. He sounds like a well-loved person and a safe refuge to Filipino Americans in the Detroit area. He certainly left a positive impression and to Mr. Mijares.
Jason
Hello where can I read the whole book online "The Conjugal Dictatorship"
ReplyDeleteSammy - Please try Amazon.com.
DeleteMy father had a copy in his private collection many years ago, fortunately I was able to loan a copy from the main library here at the University of Arizona in Tucson. Maybe you can loan one forma nearby library as well.
ReplyDeleteTalk about Filipinos not forgetting the Marcos dictatorship.... Filipinos have short memeories. The Marcoses got away with all the loot. I am a Filipina and I hate the Marcoses for their atrocities. In Mijares' book the Conjugal Dictatorship, he mentions in Chapter IX Too Late a Hero about my mother's younger brother, the late Manila Mayor Arsenio H Lacson how he told Marcos off: Over my dead body will you become President of this country... when he was offered by Marcos to be his Vice President. My uncle was referring to the case of Julio Nalundasan who Marcos killed with one bullet sniper shot because Nalundasan was the rising Congressman in Ilocos Norte then. That is how Marcos started his political career. A pity that conniving woman, Imelda still runs around Manila enjoying the luxuries of the stolen loot as well their three children living off blood money in billions and haveing political seats in the Philippines today. We are now year 2103 and how can Filipinos foget how they raped, ravavged the whole country for over 20 years. Reagan has a lot to answer too. He was gvien money for his presidential campaign and authored their escape from the Philippines during the mass outbreak. These people shoud all be hanged before the whole world! The Marcoses are an evi lot!
ReplyDeleteI've learned about Sir Mijares and his son on our Phillippine History class today. I was saddened by what happened to them, especially to his son. Boy is so young then to suffer such death :( hopefully there could be a documentary video/show that will feature their story. The Filipino people shall know about them. Sir Mijares is a hero, indeed!
ReplyDeleteI want to get a copy of his book as well.