Remembering Cris Anthony Mendez

Today marks the 1st Death Anniversary of Cris Mendez. The National College of Public Administration and Governance students, faculty, staff, and friends, celebrated the Holy Eucharist earlier in the NCPAG Atrium to remember the still unresolved injustice done to Cris, and to hope and pray that his case will see light.

"It was one year ago today when a mother lost her child, when iskos and iskas lost a friend, when a university lost one of its hope for the nation, and when we lost our fellow iskolar para sa bayan." -- lifted from the statement issued by Alyansa

Beyond death, there must be justice.
Beyond justice, there must be peace.

In the latter part of the service, SC Chair Sabalburo recited a poem, which serves as a memory and a promise for Cris.

Outrage

The doves still cry whenever they call out your name.
Your face -- plastered all over the walls, everywhere
With your smile etched on each poster
Yet, all we recall are bruises
And a maimed body that caused your death -- and fame?

A year's passed but what's the use?
Your soul still laments the injustice that's been done you.
Your body rotten, our spirits broken
Your murderers, your future brother walk undaunted
With little thought of justice and being righteous.

We here remain - some friends, most strangers - steadfast and pray,
That blind Justice open her eyes and smite your villains with her sword.
We shout with angry voices, and sing a deathly tune
That speaks of our outrage at this pervading violence.
Fear not, sing it out, our music will make them quake.