Editorial – Larry

LAURENTE C. ILAGAN, who would be in his mid-sixties were he alive today, served briefly as Davao’s city legal officer. This was after he became president of the Davao City chapter of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.
However, Larry is best remembered and loved by those who were familiar with the selfless life he had lived as a fearless human rights fighter. He was one of those who risked life and limb to defend fellow countrymen from the oppressive Marcos dictatorial regime.
For his courage and consistency, he was incarcerated with two other Davao lawyers –Antonio Arellano and Marcos Risonar — for a number of years, precious time that he could have spent improving his lot and that of his growing family.
Yesterday, the late Larry and 11 other Filipinos were belatedly honored by the Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation, established by former Senate President and Marcos victim Jovito Salonga, its chairman emeritus, as a tribute to their martyrdom and heroism, at the Bantayog Center in Quezon City. Their names are now engraved on the foundation’s Wall of Remembrance.
It is worth mentioning that another Dabawenyo honored yesterday was Raymundo O. Petalcorin of Compostela Valley.
Larry’s family — Gabriela partylist Rep. Luz Calolot-Ilagan, children and grandchildren, and freedom-loving Dabawenyos are proud of what Larry had done for his country.
Which cannot be said of those of our countrymen who have tried–and still are trying–to undo it because of their unmitigated lust for political and economic power through foul means.