A Martial Law anthem was heard being played during a ceremony of the Philippine Coast Guard who conducted operations in the West Philippine Sea on Wednesday.
Reports note that “Bagong Pagsilang” was played after the buoy laying operation of the PCG which involves five vessels.
The PCG is recognized as an armed uniformed service of the country attached to the Department of Transportation.
It is primarily tasked to enforce laws within Philippine waters, conducting maritime security operations, safeguarding life and property at sea and protecting marine environment and resources.
A video of the incident was uploaded on Twitter by a field reporter.
Sa saliw ng Bagong Lipunan song, isa-isang nagbabaan at humanay ang mga kawani ng PCG matapos ang kanilang bouy laying operation sa West Philippine Sea. Limang sea vessel ng PCG ang kabilang sa naturang operasyon. @News5PH @onenewsph pic.twitter.com/EYXxzxI332
— Romel M Lopez (@romeltv5) May 18, 2022
The march is associated with late president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. who had visions of ushering the country into a “New Society” in which Filipinos would no longer live with violence, poverty, hunger and corruption.
The concept was introduced upon the declaration of Martial Law in 1972.
The music had another version with lyrics, which is called “Bagong Lipunan.”
Former first lady Imelda Marcos commissioned the creation of the songs, which Marcos Sr. used to espouse his vision for a new society.
It was also used as a tool to cover up the killings, torture and extreme poverty and deprivation that happened under Martial Law which lasted for nine years.
The song is also a chilling reminder of the regime for victims of the period.
According to playwright and activist Bonifacio Ilagan, it was played while he was in detention during Martial Law.
He heard it again during a proclamation rally of Marcos Sr’s son and namesake, Ferdinand Marcos Jr—who is now presumptive president-elect.
“[With] the anthem that meant the rape of democracy and the reign of the conjugal dictatorship, Marcos Jr. has made the battle lines clearer,” Ilagan said before.
Last February, a modern version of the propaganda song was played at Marcos Jr’s proclamation rally in Bulacan. It was met with dancing from his supporters.
