Life and experiences during Martial Law in the Philippines: A qualitative case study

Abstract

This study aimed to explore and understand the life and experiences of the faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences department of Central Philippine University during Martial Law in the Philippines using a qualitative case study design. The participants of the study were six (6) members of the faculty, who were selected using snowball method; out of five (5) to ten (10) required participants for a qualitative case study. An in-depth interview using probing questions that lasted for thirty (30) minutes to almost an hour was conducted. The descriptive data was processed using Braun and Clark’s six-step reflexive thematic analysis. The study established its validity and reliability by credibility, conformability, dependability, and transferability of the data. The study was able to formulate five (5) main themes which were: (1) Suppression of Political Dissent, (2) Suspension of Civil Rights, (3) Expansion of Military Power, (4) Suppression of Activist Groups and Organizations and, (5) Human Rights Violation. The first theme discussed the widespread rebellion during Martial law. The second theme tackled the strict curfews and checkpoints and curtailment of freedom of speech, press and assembly. The third theme talked about warrantless arrests and abuse of authority. The fourth theme conversed about activist groups advocating for social justice, peace and democracy. Lastly, the fifth theme discussed the enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings during Martial Law in the Philippines. The life course theory emphasizes the importance of considering individual life trajectories, social contexts and historical events in shaping people’s lives. The interpretative phenomenological analysis also supported this study as it provided detailed examination of the participants life and experiences.