In the bleak year of 1982 when Christopher “Perry” Sorio was just a 21-year-old student activist, the relentless tide of fate swept him into a nightmarish vortex. Soldiers, loyal to the iron fist of the Marcos regime, descended upon the bustling streets of Manila, the heart of the Philippines—Sorio was among those snatched from the bosom of their families, innocence torn away with each brutal step.
“I was repeatedly electrocuted through my genitals,” Sorio recounted in interviews regarding his experience under military custody.
He added that to increase the in
tensity of the electric shocks, his captors had him drenched with water. Besides the physical suffering, he endured mental torture as well.
Sorio also mentioned that
he faced isolation and threats of execution from his captors. His trembling voice had become a frequent mention in interviews—recounting the horrors of being chained and stripped of his humanity at the hands of the military from 1982 to 1984.
In 1989, Sorio moved to Canada where he sought solace, a new life, and a continuation of his commitment to justice. In 1995, he joined a class-action suit against the Marcoses; held in a Hawaii court, the verdict awarded a staggering $1.9 billion to human rights victims and their families. Yet, the Marcos family has yet to provide an apology or court-mandated monetary compensation.
At present, Chris Sorio remains a prominent figure in various activist organizations in Canada. Subsequently, he serves as the Secretary-General of Migrante Canada and previously held the position of Chairperson at BAYAN Canada. Residing in Vancouver, British Columbia (BC), he is also presently active in organizing efforts with Migrante BC.
Aside from showing his support for the opposition coalition 1Sambayan during the 2022 Philippine Presidential elections, Sorio persists in his efforts in the call for justice for those who have been victimized by the Martial Law era—especially in light of the Marcoses most recent return to power via the current president Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
As the Marcos family enjoys their return to political heights, Sorio’s outrage resonates with many who refuse to forget. The memories of the past, the suffering, and the quest for justice are etched in their hearts. Sorio remains determined in his mission to ensure these memories are preserved, and that the world never forgets the nation’s pain.
On the 51st anniversary of the start of Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s dictatorial rule under Martial Law, join the Angelite in standing resolute against historical distortion and blatant acts of brutality and injustice that persist to this day. In the era of yet another Marcos presidency, may we always stand firm in remembering—and may we never forget.
#MLCOMME51
#NeverAgain
#NeverForget
#DiktadorNoonParasitikoNgayon
Written by Lady Jeofele Castañeto
Layout by Angela Manaloto
