Now 54 years since the declaration of Martial Law, the Philippines stands at a crossroads between remembrance and distortion. As historical revisionism and propaganda fortify the Marcos family’s power to the present day, Filipinos remain plagued by the continued hold of the dictatorship. The GUIDON stands thus firm in its pledge to critical, community-centered reportage—not losing sight of the regime’s atrocities, and staying cognizant of how its injustices permeate today. Read The GUIDON’s Martial Law Special and Issue No. 1 for AY 2026–2027 here: tgdn.co/IssueOne2627

IN PHOTOS: The Talakayang Alay sa Bayan (TALAB) talks and activities continued from October 14 to 24, following the theme “Forging Solidarity in Diversity.” The events bolstered discussions on relevant issues involving farmers, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, the LGBTQIA+ community, and more. Photos by Marqus Alavazo, Mavic Gregorio, Miguel Manotok, Geri Reyes, and Tracy G. Rodriguez

NATIONAL UPDATE: Political prisoners’ support group KAPATID has urged Congress to investigate plans by Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. to convert 366.7 hectares of New Bilibid Prison (NBP) land in Muntinlupa into a commercial real estate venture projected to generate Php 1 billion to Php 2 billion in annual lease revenues. Yesterday, October 25, KAPATID launched its “Protect Bilibid Lands” campaign, calling for an immediate halt to plans to close NBP by 2028 and lease or privatize its grounds for commercial use. The group said the land should instead be preserved as a permanent national correctional center that upholds prisoners’ rights and rehabilitation. Citing Republic Act No. 10575, or the Bureau of Corrections Act of 2013, KAPATID emphasized BuCor’s responsibilities for the safekeeping and reformation of prisoners, including the provision of hospitals and visiting areas. KAPATID also cited a July 24 petition to the Department of Justice signed by 45 political prisoners, including 12 senior citizens and 18 people with medical conditions, opposing forced transfers to distant penal colonies and seeking safeguards such as prior formal notice and written consent. The group warned that transferring prisoners to remote facilities would burden low-income families and worsen overcrowding in regional prisons. It argued that maintaining a major correctional facility in Metro Manila would allow prisoners to remain close to their families and support their rehabilitation. #BeyondLoyola

OPINION: Seeking accountability becomes a misguided chase when anger clouds one’s judgement of who should be held accountable and how justice must be claimed. tgdn.co/4imY7L6

Keynote speaker Atty. Yvonne Ricaro shared an opening speech for the newly inaugurated student leaders of the Sanggunian and its student arms during “Aguhon: Panunumpa ng mga Lider-Estudyante ng Sanggunian para sa Taong Panuruan 2026–2027,” the annual inauguration ceremony organized by the Ateneo Student Judicial Court (ASJC) on October 25 at the Church of the Gesù. Ricaro reflected on her experiences as a student leader, encouraging the inductees to extend their service beyond the Ateneo and confront the injustices and inequalities faced by the broader Philippine society. She congratulated the student leaders and urged them to recognize the value of every person they serve, as well as carry their commitment to serving others into their future endeavors. Drawing from the Atenean Ignatian values of magis and cura personalis, Ricaro emphasized that leadership entails taking responsibilities beyond one’s obligations while remaining grounded in compassion and care for others. However, she reminded the inductees that their commitment to service should not come at the expense of their well-being. The event began with a thanksgiving mass presided by Robbie D’Lima, SJ, followed by the official oath-taking ceremony of the Sanggunian. Afterwards, the inductees and guests proceeded to the Ricardo and Dr. Rosita G. Leong Roof Deck for the fellowship dinner. Elected officers, representatives, cabinet members, and officials of the Sanggunian Executive Council and their respective cabinets, the Sanggunian sectors, the ASJC, Ateneo Commission on Elections, Ateneo Office of the Ombudsman, and the Ateneo Commission on Audit all took their oath.

IN PHOTOS: A Thanksgiving Mass for the outgoing security guards was held today, October 25, in the Church of the Gesù. Organized by University Residence Halls dormers, the event invited the guards and their families to gather in prayer. During the send-off blessing, the guards faced the community, who honored them with applause for their long-term service in the University. This marks their very first time inside the church for many of them. Photos by Ysabel Aunor

IN PHOTOS: Student leaders of the Sanggunian underwent their inauguration and oath-taking earlier today, October 25, during “Aguhon: Panunumpa ng mga Lider-Estudyante ng Sanggunian para sa Taong Panuruan 2026–2027.” The ceremony was led by the Ateneo Student Judicial Court (ASJC) at the Church of the Gesù. The program began with a thanksgiving mass presided by Robbie D’Lima, SJ, and was followed by a speech by Atty. Yvonne Ricaro, who congratulated the students for taking the next step in leading the student body. The oath-taking of the officers from the ASJC, Ateneo Commission on Elections, Ateneo Office of the Ombudsman, and Ateneo Commission on Audit were led by their respective magistrates. This was then followed by the oath-taking of the representatives and cabinets of the John Gokongwei School of Management, Rosita G. Leong School of Social Sciences, School of Humanities, School of Science and Engineering, as well as that of sectoral representatives and leaders from the Sanggunian Office of the President, and the Office of the Vice President. After the program, attendees moved to the Dr. Ricardo and Dr. Rosita G. Leong Hall roofdeck for a dinner service, followed by the messages of appreciation from alumni and other guests. Photos by RJ Hernandez

Security guards from the United Megaforce Security Services Inc. (Megaforce) Ateneo Detachment gathered alongside community members to honor the 15-year partnership between the University and Megaforce today, October 25, at CTC 413. During the event, key personnel were recognized for their loyalty, honesty and integrity, lifesaving excellence, and humanitarian service to the Ateneo community. As the event’s guest of honor, Campus Safety and Mobility Office Assistant Director and Campus Mobility Head Engr. Zebonizza Fida Hussain-Leonidas emphasized that beyond any contracts, the relationship between the University and the security guards can be measured on the partnership built over the past 15 years. Megaforce President and General Manager Raul Manalo expressed his deep gratitude to the University and the security personnel, encouraging them to maintain high standards until their final shift on October 31. Faculty, students, and staff likewise echoed their appreciation, with Dear Ate Kuya Guards and Baon Subsidy Project Coordinator Robert Lance Chua, MA, highlighting how community-led efforts aimed to see and honor the guards beyond their uniforms. Speaking on behalf of the personnel, LG Lolita Rapada offered a heartfelt message about the quiet personal sacrifices, hopes, and dedication of the security guards, all while calling Ateneo a second home where every warm greeting from student and staff made a lasting difference. The event was held ahead of the University’s upcoming transition to the Leopard Security and Investigation Agency, which will replace Megaforce as the Ateneo’s security service provider on November 1.