Activism Behind and Outside Bars: The Continuing Struggle of Filipino Political Detainees During Their Incarceration Under Martial Law and Beyond Their Release From Detention

Abstract

This study investigates the determinants of political activism among former political detainees in the Philippines, both during and after their imprisonment. It seeks to address the transformation of their activism over time. Through interviews with ten former detainees from the Martial Law era, conducted individually or in group settings, this research applied Pippa Norris' Theories of Political Activism framework while tailoring it to the Philippine context. The findings reveal that commitment and motivation played pivotal roles in sustaining political activism during incarceration. Furthermore, factors such as community support, family ties, and assistance from civil society sectors and organizations contributed significantly to their perseverance as activists during imprisonment. Following their release, these respondents continued their activism, adapting their approaches to available resources and advocating for causes directly impacting them and their immediate communities. While the manifestation of their activism may have evolved, the core commitment to seeking justice for past and ongoing injustices remained unchanged. This study sheds light on the enduring commitment of former political detainees and its broader implications for activism in the Philippines.