WE ARE saddened by the passing away of Bishop Antonio Fortich, a
towering pillar of human rights, and honorary chairman of the Task
Force Detainees of the Philippines. All defenders of human rights,
as well as survivors of human rights violations, will surely feel
the loss of this humble servant of God.
Bishop Fortich was a Nobel Peace Prize nominee for his defense of
martial-law victims and promotion of "Peace Zones" in Southern
Negros. He served all without hesitation or discrimination--regardless
of religious or political beliefs. For his selfless promotion and
defense of human rights an, assassination attempt was made on his
life. But threats on his life did not deter this man of God, this
advocate of peace, from serving his beloved sacadas and all who asked
for his counsel and presence.
Many times he had spoken for the defense of political prisoners.
Before the fall of former President Estrada he succeeded in negotiating
for the release of at least five of the political prisoners at the
Bacolod Provincial Jail. One of his most memorable quotes, given during
a Holy Mass for political prisoners held at the Bacolod Provincial
Jail on December 10, 2001, for the annual celebration of International
Human Rights Day, was "If you will not release this people, detain
me as well!"
The memories of Bishop Antonio Fortich shall forever be etched in
the hearts and minds of the victims and advocates of human rights.
His name shall be written in the annals of human rights struggles
for genuine democracy and peace.
Kay bigat para sa sambayanang nakikibaka para sa karapatang pantao,
kalayaan, katarungan, kapayapaan at kaganapan ng buhay ang iyong pagpanaw.
Ang iyong alaala ay mananatiling buhay. Sa puso ng mamamayang inaapi,
inyong bantayog ay nakatayo!
