By Jasmin Julia Rusios
Human rights group, KARAPATAN and the Paper Trail Project launched their co-published book, “Pansamantalang Mundo” at the Bocobo Hall, College of Law, UP Diliman on July 18, featuring the works of 10 women political detainees. The event was part of “LAYA: A CAMPAIGN TO FREE ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS.”
Stories Behind Bars
“Pansamantalang Mundo” is a collection of written works by 10 women currently imprisoned on what KARAPATAN described as unjust and made-up charges.
KARAPATAN said there are at least 560 political prisoners nationwide as of mid-2026, including 103 women, 77 elderly detainees, 10 peace consultants of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, and four minors.
“May this remind us that behind every statistics, there is a story of a person who was once a farmer, a labor organizer, an environmental defender, an activist, a journalist, and a human rights worker who dared to speak out and question the status quo to make this country less of a living hell for the marginalized,” KARAPATAN said.
The launch gathered volunteers, advocates, former political detainees, and supporters, while performances by People’s Chorale, Katribu, Vitrum, and other cultural groups underscored the campaign’s message of solidarity.
One of the event’s most poignant moments came when a former political detainee read an excerpt from the book and felt emotional. Her voice cracked as they paused to compose themselves, drawing quiet attention from the audience before reading.
Call for Collective Action Ahead of SONA
Organizers said the launch was more than to introduce the book but also to encourage greater public participation in campaigns for the release of political prisoners ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address.
Held on Nelson Mandela International Day, the event underscored what organizers described as the continuing struggle for human rights and freedom.
Proceeds from the book will fund legal assistance and help provide for the basic needs of political prisoners, according to the organizers. #