MANILA, PHILIPPINES — To expose the violence of state-funded attacks on human rights in Northern Luzon that continue to create an atmosphere of fear under the Marcos-Duterte administration, Kwago is launching the Affidavit ng Dahas zine in Manila this coming July 15, from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm, at Anima Art Space. The event will feature a small press fair with progressive and cultural organizations, as well as tattoo pop-ups for Amanda Echanis and performances by the contributors.
Co-edited by full-time activist and Northern Dispatch correspondent Niño Oconer and writer-publisher Czyka Tumaliuan, Affidavit ng Dahas is based on actual affidavits filed by victims of red-tagging and other forms of repression and censorship in the North. The zine gathers personal stories, poems, photos, and experimental pieces from community organizers and activists who have personally experienced the terrorism of the state, as well as writers who want to help undermine the government’s legitimization of abuse, aggression, and impunity through creative approaches with contributions from Mong Palatino, MJ, Cian Dayrit, Mercedita De Jesus, Angel Galimba, Rabh Hubbard, Renz Kang, Iggy Anton Lami-ing, Maki Lang, Christine Marie, Lim Magpile, Niño Oconer, Leah Perez, Clio Nadine Rojas, and Czyka Tumaliuan.
“We use the zine as a platform to tackle this issue on human rights primarily because of its history of politically subverting structures of power that repress and silence voices and movements critical of the government abuses and corruption,” the zine editors expressed.
In partnership with PUÓN and Anima Art Space, this program will take place at Anima Art Space, a creative hub and art gallery located in Commonwealth, Quezon City, Metro Manila. Gates open at 2:00 pm and the event will end at around 8:00 pm. Moderated by teacher and writer Roma Estrada, the launch will feature performances by the contributors starting 5:00 pm onwards. The event will have free entrance. More details at Kwago’s Facebook and Instagram: @isipkwago.
The zine was first launched in PUÓN Bookshop, La Union. See photos here.
