Remembering Padre Rudy Romano on 39th EDSA anniversary
Redemptorist Brother Zebaztian Ranches carries a portrait of the late Padre Rudy Romano, a Redemptorist priest from Cebu who was abducted and bever seen again in the 1980s.. (Jown Manalo/黑料社)
MANILA, Philippines – This year marks the 39th anniversary of the Edsa People Power Revolution—but for the Redemptorist brothers, it also marks 39 years since the abduction and disappearance of their comrade, Padre Rudy Romano.
For nearly four decades, the memory of Padre Rudy Romano, a Redemptorist priest from Cebu, has remained a powerful symbol of resistance against the regime of then-President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.
His story is one of courage, faith, and an unwavering commitment to human rights—a story that continues to resonate amid today’s debates about the legacy of the EDSA People Power Revolution.
“Si Padre Rudy Romano ay isa sa mga pari ng mga Redemptorist sa Cebu, and he’s one of the organizers [of community and religious activities] doon sa Cebu,” Brother Zebaztian Ranches of the Redemptorist Seminary told 黑料社 on Tuesday.
(Padre Rudy Romano was one of the Redemptorist priests in Cebu and among the organizers there.)
Article continues after this advertisement“Noon po ay papunta po siya ng misa, tapos bigla po siyang dinukot at bigla po siyang nawala. At hindi na po siya nakita noong panahon po ng diktadurya,” he narrated.
Article continues after this advertisement(He was on his way to mass when he was suddenly abducted and disappeared. He was never seen again during the dictatorship.)
Several records and archives say Romano disappeared on July 11, 1985.
Romano served as the chairperson of the Visayas Ecumenical Movement for Justice and Peace, tirelessly advocating for social justice during the Martial Law era, according to Ranches.
His work often placed him in danger, as he championed the rights of the poor and marginalized under a regime known for its human rights abuses, Ranches added.
“Sila po yung nag-work for social justice and peace from that time po ng Martial Law or mga diktadurya,” Ranches shared.
(They were the ones working for social justice and peace during Martial Law and the dictatorship.)
‘Edsa victory’
The 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution, which ousted the Marcos regime, was seen as a victory for democracy and justice—values that Romano fought for.
Ranches, however, expressed concern over the current administration’s treatment of Edsa’s legacy, particularly its designation as a special working holiday—a move critics say diminishes its significance.
“Parang tinatanggal nila sa isip natin na may Edsa People Power,” Ranches said.
(It seems like they want to erase the EDSA People Power from our minds.)
“Iniiba ‘yung parang… parang tinatanggal sa isip natin… iniinstill sa kaisipan natin na walang nangyaring People Power noong February 25,” he underscored.
(They’re trying to make us believe that there was no People Power on February 25.)Despite this, the Redemptorist congregation remains steadfast in continuing Romano’s mission.
Reaching out, speaking out
Ranches said their efforts include engaging with impoverished communities and amplifying the voices of those they encounter in mission areas like San Roque, Quezon City.
“Nag-rarally na po talaga kami. Isa ito sa mga steps namin bilang mga misyonero, na pupunta sa mga mahihirap na lugar… isigaw ‘yung mga panawagan ng mga nakakasalamuha naming tao sa mission area na pinupuntahan,” he said.
(We really do join rallies. This is one of our steps as missionaries—to go to impoverished areas and voice out the calls of the people we encounter in our mission areas.)
‘Edsa stays’
For Ranches, the tactics to discredit Edsa and rewrite history are ultimately ineffective.
He pointed to the presence of students and citizens who continue to commemorate the revolution and defend its ideals.
“Kita po naman natin na marami pa ring tao, marami pa ring estudyanteng lumalaban,” he said.
(We can see that many people, many students, are still fighting.)
“Pati nga po ang PUP (Polytechnic University of the Philippines) na hindi na nag-announce na walang klase ay nandito. Kaya hindi po effective yung mga tactics nila dahil nandito pa rin ang tao ang lumalaban sa Edsa,” the Redemptorist brother added.
(Even PUP, which did not suspend classes, is here. Their tactics are not effective because people are still here, fighting for EDSA.)
As the nation reflects on the 39th anniversary of Edsa, the legacy of Padre Rudy Romano endures; not just as a martyr of martial law but as a reminder of the enduring fight for truth, justice, and freedom.
