by Diego Morra
Lualhati S. Roque, political prisoner during the darkest years of the Marcos dictatorship who survived torture and abuse because of her political and social activism, is now fighting in another front to save her own life. Lu, as she is called by friends and comrades, is not only a mother, wife and a committed defender of the oppressed. She is also a steadfast champion of the quest for peace.
Coming from a family whose members have fought Spanish colonialism and US imperialism, Lu was steeled by the brutal years of incarceration that taught her to be compassionate, courageous and hopeful. She is the sister of Magtanggol Roque, an outstanding engineer and member of the Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity of the University of the Philippines Diliman who was martyred in Davao, and the photojournalist Pat Roque.
Rather than be depressed, Lu grew even more cheerful, generous, and gentle after her ordeal and worked with a number of people who have battered the walls and transformed them into bridges. In recent years, Lu served as a consultant in the peace process, working tirelessly to address the root causes of the armed conflict raging in the country. Like other stalwarts of the First Quarter Storm (FQS), Lu has been busy trying to pave the path for a comprehensive resolution of the conflict that has lasted more than half a century. She never lost heart.
“Today, it is Lu’s heart — the very source of her strength and generosity — that is in grave danger. Her doctors have warned that it could fail at any time. She urgently needs a (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedure this January. The total cost is ₱2.8 million. Through the kindness of relatives and friends, ₱1 million has already been raised, for which we are deeply grateful. We now seek your help to raise the remaining amount. Any contribution, no matter how small, brings Lu closer to life and healing,” a letter circulating on her behalf revealed.
Donations may be sent via bank transfer to: 1. PNB-UP Campus branch, Savings Account Name: ROQUE, LUALHATI SAYAS, with Account Number 108610112754; 2. LANDBANK Malolos McArthur Highway branch, Account Name: LUALHATI SAYAS ROQUE, Account number: 26911684-50.
The family and friends of Lu urge all the people who worked with Lu and shared her commitment to win a better future for the country to show their solidarity with her. Time is of the essence to save her heart and allow her to continue her unstinting quest for peace. Lu’s many friends, from the remotest rural areas to the factories, schools, offices and houses of prayer are now called upon to pitch and prove that the revolutionary spirit is alive and well and generously giving in the hour of greatest need.
This moment calls for the people whose lives Lu touched to rally behind her and support her. Lu needs the kind of solidarity only those who have been steeled in arduous struggle could provide. They will heed to call to save a noble woman, a committed leader who never abandoned her principles despite the anguish, the tribulations and trauma of detention.
This month, Lu’s enlarged circle of friends should rally, not only to bring comforting words to an activist in need but also all the resources they could muster to save her, cure the ailment and restore her vitality and enthusiasm to live more fruitful years in the people’s service.#
