Human rights festival marks decade of drug war, renews call for justice and accountability

The Active Vista Human Rights Festival turns to collective memory as a means of demanding truth, justice, and accountability in its 14th edition, taking place from 18 to 27 September at venues across the country.

With the theme “Walang Kawala,” this year’s festival marks a decade since the beginning of the country’s war on drugs while commemorating the anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law. Through film screenings, exhibitions, forums, and staged readings, the festival invites audiences to confront the past, challenge prevailing narratives, and imagine a future founded on dignity, freedom, and the full realization of human rights.

“As a nation, we have been going through various injustices in our everyday lives — from human rights violations and political turbulence to indignities in public spaces and incessant floods. ‘Walang Kawala’ flips the script of uncertainty and entrapment from the masses to the decision-makers we hold accountable,” said Rash Caritativo, festival director and managing director of Active Vista.

“Hindi ang taumbayan ang walang kawala sa mga krisis at paghihirap — ang walang kawala ay ang mga korap at nanlilinlang sa bayan. Panahon na para sila’y managot at harapin ang hustisya (The people are not the ones trapped by crises and hardship—it is the corrupt and those who deceive the nation who have no escape. It is time for them to be held accountable and face justice),” Caritativo added.

Opening in Metro Manila on 18 September, the 2026 festival also holds satellite events and activities in Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Dumaguete, Iloilo and Laguna.

Held annually in September around the commemoration of the declaration of Martial Law in the Philippines, the Active Vista Human Rights Festival celebrates fundamental rights, freedoms, and human dignity. It is organized by Active Vista and DAKILA Philippine Collective for Modern Heroism.

The festival provides creative spaces where the public can critically engage with pressing social issues and participate in initiatives that strengthen support for human rights and democracy.

The complete festival schedule and other information are available on Active Vista’s Facebook page and at avhumanrightsfestival.ph.