Rallies: Philippines commemorates 1972 martial law

by Roy Ramos

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (AA) –Security forces are on alert for rallies Thursday, around the country to commemorate the 45th anniversary of martial law on Sept. 21, 1972 by the late former dictator President Ferdinand Marcos.

President Rodrigo Duterte declared September 21, Thursday, a “National Day of Protest” and suspended work of government offices as well as classes in public schools. This allowed the people to “call against all excesses and shortcomings of the government” and express their “desire to uphold the highest standards of integrity, efficiency, and accountability in government.”

Thousands of protesters are expected to flock also to protest Duterte’s emerging dictatorship, his administration’s bloody drug war, the alleged extrajudicial killings as well as the martial law still being imposed on the islands of Mindanao.

Among the groups staging rallies are the Movement Against Tyranny, Tindig Pilipinas and Youth Act Now. One of the organizers of the rallies complained about a limited space approved for their activity.

In a report by GMA News, left-leaning lawmaker Teddy Casiño said that while Duterte encouraged protests when he declared the National Day of Protest, the small venue cannot accommodate the expected number of participants of the rallies.

Meanwhile, a separate gathering will also be held by Duterte supporters – the Liga Independencia Pilipinas in Manila.