Troubles in Freedomland

Celebrity World Vol. 4 Nos. 187 & 188, March 6 and 13, 1995

On the left cover: Cynthia Khan

On the right cover: Geneva Cruz

This two-part article, “Troubles in Freedomland,” was written 23 years ago, and up to now it is still the items in the news. It was written when the Philippines still occupied eight of the 53 islands within its territorial jurisdiction, inside its 200-mile exclusive economic zone. It was in 1976, when Pres. Ferdinand Marcos sent forces to occupy 11 islands and marked seven more reefs to assert territorial jurisdiction. Pres. Marcos also ordered the building of an airstrip on Pag-asa, the largest of the islands, and garrisons and living facilities that is still existing and operational today.

Also include is “A Glimpse of Kalayaan History.”

“Attend to Me in silence, you islands; and let national groups themselves regain power. Let them approach. At that time let them speak. Let us come up close together for the judgment itself.” – Isaiah 41:1, New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures.