The Pieta Park Demolition is Dishonoring the Memory of Doña Paz Tragedy Victims

Credit: Jhonil C. Bajado's Facebook page

Today is the Anniversary of the Titanic. However, I couldn't help but think of the even bigger disaster Doña Paz when the Titanic is remembered. The Doña Paz was called the Titanic of Asia--a disaster that had more victims than the already tragic, Titanic. The Pieta Park, a Catholic religious shrine, was also dedicated to the victims of the tragedy. I would search for "Dona Paz" on Facebook, and it's sad to know that some bodies were never found. Out of respect for them, I will choose to leave then Anonymous

I'd like to cite this excerpt from the Daily Tribune:

CATBALOGAN CITY – A plaza dedicated in memory of thousands who died in the sinking of passenger boat Doña Paz has been demolished, drawing outrage among the residents of this city.

Catbalogan City Mayor Dexter Uy said the demolition of Pieta Park on Saturday shocked him, especially since the city has not issued any permit for the demolition or the planned construction of a fast-food store in the same area.

“This is very saddening especially that the park holds important historical and cultural symbols of us Catbaloganon,” he said. “This is also one of the few remaining open spaces in the city and was declared as tangible immovable property by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.”

Pieta Park, located right in front of St. Bartholomew Church, was opened on 22 August 1995, on the eve of the city fiesta to honor the over 5,000 victims of the Doña Paz tragedy.

To recall, the passenger ship MV Doña Paz, which sailed from Tacloban City to Manila, dropped by Catbalogan City to pick up more passengers en route to its destination. The ship figured in a collision with oil tanker MT Vector on 20 December 1987, catching fire and eventually sinking, resulting in the deaths of thousands of passengers, with only 26 survivors.

This should be a tragedy. We learn from history. We may not cling to the past but we never forget it, to learn from it. This park demolition should be a national outrage. Just think how many people died during Doña Paz--it was worse than the already terrible Titanic. People who did the demolition should be dealt with swiftly and accordingly.