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.
