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 commit such atrocity. I'm 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.
The massacre reminded me of another politics related crime - the mysterious disappearance of
Primitivo Mijares. The former right-hand aid to Ferdinand Marcos turned star witness and whistleblower against the martial law regime. I always admire Mijares' bravery to speak out against a dictator and his mysterious disappearance has always intrigued me since I learned about it many years ago. Mijares, also a former journalist, withdrew his support from Marcos and testified at the US Congress exposing the Marcos' abuse of power during martial law. He also authored the book "The Conjugal Dictatorship of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos" that revealed more details of corruption and human rights violations of Mr. and Mrs. Marcos. As a result, Mijares' young son was abducted, tortured and killed allegedly as a form of revenge or a warning sign for his revelation. Primitivo Mijares later on also suddenly disappeared and was never to be found to this date. Marcos was suspected as the mastermind of his disappearance and the murder of his young son. Both cases were never brought to justice.
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
ReplyDeletehttp://rizalls.lib.admu.edu.ph:8080/ebooks2/Primitivo%20Mijares.pdf
DeleteSince 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?
ReplyDeleteaccording to rumors, he was pushed off a helicopter over the ocean by a notorious military officer. that officer was eventually executed by the NPA
DeleteAs I indicated on my blog post, he mysteriously disappeared.
ReplyDeleteHi Bruce, If i'm not mistaken, the name David there could be my father, David C. Borje. They were together most of the time at the Malacanang Press Corp. If I heard it right, my father told me that the last they were together was at the Malacanang Library when a prominent military man called Tivo, then that was the last time he had seen him. Both of them have many secrets together which they brought it down to their own graves. My father writes for the Evening News, Daily Express, Herald Tribune, Daily Globe, a two-time President of the Manila Press Club. Both him and Tivo are founding members of the National Press Club. The book could have lost by my brother...we are still looking for another book given by President Marcos and dedicates, To my fellow veteran, Dave.
DeleteThank you Jason Bruce.
DeleteJason just want to retract, I'm not sure if my father was in Detroit as well, my apologies. But definitely, both were very close together. I have a picture of the Malacanang Press Corp, an oath taking with Pres. Marcos with Madam Imelda and the res of the members.
DeleteDario - Thanks for the info. Always curious of what it was like back then. I'm sure there were lots of untold stories.
DeletePrimivito 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 would like to contact your uncle. Maybe it's time to republish the book, but we need the rights. Could he get in touch w/ he? razor323@gmail.com. Thank you.
DeleteHi Myles - The only way I was able to make contact was through this blog. Good luck!
DeleteIn my own opinion, the book should be recopied and resold once again in the national bookstore branches across the PH for the wider audience especially the youth which are already brainwashed by the Marcoses to know the truth about the cruelty and the atrocities of the Marcoses during those time.
DeleteI 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.
DeleteI am teaching Philippine History and we are now in the topic, "Marcos Dictatorship". I have this conviction that Marcos has nothing to do with Ninoy's assasination but after reading this blog http://jcc34.wordpress.com/2012/08/22/why-is-it-easy-to-believe-that-marcos-ordered-ninoy-killed/#comment-6942, it had suddenly changed my mind. This book would be a big help for me. Please tell me how to get a copy of this book. nicdgalindez@yahoo.com is my e-mail ad. Thanks
DeleteHi, I am also interested in buying a copy of the book. PLease email me price and how to get it. My email - galo.ballaho.hrvcb@gmail.com .. thanks
DeleteI would like a copy too. Email me at forsale617bos at gmail
Deletehi, i would like to have a copy, please e-mail me the price and other details johnsonmenale@yahoo.com.ph thank you!!!
DeleteWould like to have a copy. Pls email me the price and details at lornz7@sbcglobal.net. thanks.
DeleteI would like to know the price and how to get a copy. Pls email me at lornz7@sbcglobal.net. thanks.
DeleteHi! Please send me the details on how I can purchase a copy of this book, jeparjavier2015@gmail.com. Thanks!
DeleteHi! Please send me the details on how I can purchase a copy of this book, jeparjavier2015@gmail.com. Thanks!
DeletePls email me the price and how can i get a copy. I love our history.
Deletetonysantillan_2000@yahoo.com
Pls email me the price and how can i get a copy. I love our history.
Deletetonysantillan_2000@yahoo.com
I would like to have a copy as well. Thanks.
Deletee-mail add: alidajoanisidro@gmail.com
Please email details on how I can get a copy of this book. My dad who started his journalistic work at Evening News always told me about this book but we never had a copy.
Deletegreg_ocampo@yahoo.com
Please email details on how I can get a copy of this book. My dad who started his journalistic work at Evening News always told me about this book but we never had a copy.
Deletegreg_ocampo@yahoo.com
Thank 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.
i have a copy of the conjugal dictatorship.... and it gave me a lot of ideals how MARCOS abused his power thank you very much SIR MIJARES
ReplyDeleteExcellent book! I felt the same way when I read it. Very eye opening.
DeleteMay you rest in peace uncle Tibong and to our cousin who was the ringbearer of my parent's wedding in 1970. Even if I didn't have a chance to see you personally because I was not yet born during the time you disappeared, I admire your courage and strength that restored the freedom and democracy to the Filipino people.
ReplyDeleteIt would be most timely to republish the book today!
ReplyDeleteHow to contact Anonymous, grandson of Primitivo Mijares. Anonymous posted his comments in your blog. My email job_elizes@yahoo.com. My blog is jobelizes.wordpress.com
ReplyDelete: : : The son of the late Pres. Ferdinand Marcos, Sen. Bong Marcos is aspiring to be President. If we want another dictator, vote for him. History can repeat it self you know. Fellow Filipinos, if we do not learn the lessons of the dictatorship, we will be bunch of fools. NO TO MARCOS FOREVER !
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteAnnalisagarcia Blanco • 4 minutes ago
Primitivo Mijares was in and out of Marcos' office as one of the most trusted media personnels. He was a spoiled journalist but did not like to be filtered by Romualdez and Imelda. A self-supporting student assigned by Imelda to assist and observe Mijares who had been careless in the last few days found out some coded documents that Mijares was up to no good behind Ferdinand and Imelda.
Imelda asked her brother to warn Mijares but denied the allegations and they have had big arguments. Marcos advised Mijares there's a chain of command changes and he has to go through Imelda and Romualdez. Marcos also reminded him not to pursue anything silly since his administration had given him fair treatment.
Mijares tended his resignation and despite what happened Marcos offered him $100,000 for his great services and separation pay and wish him good luck. He again reminded him not to double cross or publish anything about his name just to gain money and popularity without his permission if his aim is to destroy his name.
Mijares thought he had him in his throat. He refused the payment thinking he would make more money selling the book he wrote against the Marcoses. Once he's in U. S. he worked with some Americans who despised the couple to sensationalize the story that might help his book sell millions of copies and become famous.
Ferdinand Marcos denied the allegations of corruptions and killings when he delivered his speech in America and challenged everyone including the Human Rights to visit the Philippines and even pay for their round trip tickets. As usual all the allegations have not been proven to this day.
ReplyDeleteAnnalisagarcia Blanco • 4 minutes ago
Primitivo Mijares was in and out of Marcos' office as one of the most trusted media personnels. He was a spoiled journalist but did not like to be filtered by Romualdez and Imelda. A self-supporting student assigned by Imelda to assist and observe Mijares who had been careless in the last few days found out some coded documents that Mijares was up to no good behind Ferdinand and Imelda.
Imelda asked her brother to warn Mijares but denied the allegations and they have had big arguments. Marcos advised Mijares there's a chain of command changes and he has to go through Imelda and Romualdez. Marcos also reminded him not to pursue anything silly since his administration had given him fair treatment.
Mijares tended his resignation and despite what happened Marcos offered him $100,000 for his great services and separation pay and wish him good luck. He again reminded him not to double cross or publish anything about his name just to gain money and popularity without his permission if his aim is to destroy his name.
Mijares thought he had him in his throat. He refused the payment thinking he would make more money selling the book he wrote against the Marcoses. Once he's in U. S. he worked with some Americans who despised the couple to sensationalize the story that might help his book sell millions of copies and become famous.
Ferdinand Marcos denied the allegations of corruptions and killings when he delivered his speech in America and challenged everyone including the Human Rights to visit the Philippines and even pay for their round trip tickets. As usual all the allegations have not been proven to this day.
Mijares worked with Filipinos in the US. and very few americans. Going from city to city protesting what was the reality o martial law My friend was one of the last to see Mijares alive be4 his ill fated flight from san Francisco to Guam.
DeleteYou can't solely blame the faith of a person under a political arena to a single man who led his country aiming for prosperity. Martial Law or not, most or all of the so called “victims” were willing participants who committed crimes, demeaned him directly or protested a government whose only purpose was to make a country great.
ReplyDeleteTo his opponents, Marcos was called a tyrant, thief, murderer, plunderer and all sorts of unimaginable name calling. But there were always two sides of one’s past no matter how many stories it could reach. When you flip into the backside, you hear other people with rational thinking that those were needed to complete its meaning.
The law abiding citizens, rich or poor who believed in his regime have not been hurt or punished in any form because all they did were to follow their dreams to succeed and took advantage of the good things his government had offered. As much people hailed other leaders their hero, to them Ferdinand E. Marcos is also a great hero and the best president who ran the country.
A single hurtful word is sharper than a sword and quicker than a bullet that penetrated someone’s heart with a long lasting wound. Life in politics is marred of violence. Politics is war. If you follow the non-confrontational warfare then the victory is more near. When you decide to take on the bumpy ride, you must prepare for such consequences you may not see the light at the other end of the tunnel.
Confucius - “Don't do unto others what you don't want others to do unto you.”
You can't solely blame the faith of a person under a political arena to a single man who led his country aiming for prosperity. Martial Law or not, most or all of the so called “victims” were willing participants who committed crimes, demeaned him directly or protested a government whose only purpose was to make a country great.
ReplyDeleteTo his opponents, Marcos was called a tyrant, thief, murderer, plunderer and all sorts of unimaginable name calling. But there were always two sides of one’s past no matter how many stories it could reach. When you flip into the backside, you hear other people with rational thinking that those were needed to complete its meaning.
The law abiding citizens, rich or poor who believed in his regime have not been hurt or punished in any form because all they did were to follow their dreams to succeed and took advantage of the good things his government had offered. As much people hailed other leaders their hero, to them Ferdinand E. Marcos is also a great hero and the best president who ran the country.
A single hurtful word is sharper than a sword and quicker than a bullet that penetrated someone’s heart with a long lasting wound. Life in politics is marred of violence. Politics is war. If you follow the non-confrontational warfare then the victory is more near. When you decide to take on the bumpy ride, you must prepare for such consequences you may not see the light at the other end of the tunnel.
Finally, after so many treacherous attempts to over throw the Marcos regime, his closest allies in the form of strong military leaders were able to conspire to install a new leader which started the demise of the Philippines 30 years after. Everyone opposition leaders were in connivance they would do a lot better make the Philippines and the lives of the poor but they failed so miserably.
Confucius - “Don't do unto others what you don't want others to do unto you.”
I just got a copy of the book, The Conjugal Dictatorship of Ferdinand & Imelda Marcos by Primitivo Mijares, from Ebay. If you want to have a copy of the book, here's the link http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.XThe+Conjugal+Dictatorship+of+Ferdinand+and+Imelda+Marcos+by+Primitivo+Mijares.TRS0&_nkw=The+Conjugal+Dictatorship+of+Ferdinand+and+Imelda+Marcos+by+Primitivo+Mijares&_sacat=0
ReplyDeleteYou can download a copy in this link: rizalls.lib.admu.edu.ph:8080/ebooks2/Primitivo%20Mijares.pdf
ReplyDeleteIt is now May 31, 2016 and there is now renewed interest in the book. The dictator's son has learned well from the father and almost got elected as Vice President. Perhaps we can learn from history so that we dont commit the same mistake. The book is now easily downloadable for free. Just Google it for the links. You may also buy it for $3 in ebook form at Amazon.com. Let's be vigilant and above all be informed. Do not buy the revisionist history and misinformation that BBM has spread to many young netizens.
ReplyDelete