Streets swell on Protest Day

Forty-five years after the signing of Martial Law under the Marcos administration that prohibited mainly the public’s freedom of speech and assembly, the streets of Metro Manila were again filled by different groups that voiced out opposition and support for the current administration.

Anti and pro Martial Law groups and Duterte administration critics and supporters alike held protests on Thursday, Sept. 21, the National Day of Protest, as declared by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Philippine National Police (PNP) said around 7,000 people joined the pro-Duterte rally in front of Quiapo Church, while 3,000 gathered near the Palace to express support for the President.

“Our protesters are composed of supporters of the President from North, South and Central Luzon, particularly members of the Kilusang Pagbabago (Change Movement), PDP-Laban Party, Friends of Rodrigo Duterte, Luzon Watch, and various local government (units),” said Benny Antiporda, organizer of the event.

CONTINUE CHANGE. Supporters of the Duterte administration and representatives from different local government units gathered in Plaza Miranda to voice out their call “Ipagpatuloy ang pagbabago,” and their support for programs of the administration including the war on drugs and martial law in Mindanao. (Photos from Inquirer, Rappler, and GMA).

Jovic Yee / INQUIRER

GMA News Online

Rappler.com

According to Antiporda, martial law in Mindanao is doing well and people feel “happier and safer” amidst the ongoing Siege of Marawi.

“Before people in Mindanao walk (sic) with guns tucked in their waists. Now, you can’t see them anymore. It’s a big change,” said Abdulrashid Ladayo, a Muslim and native of Mindanao.

Ladayo also said that the martial law in Mindanao is very different from the martial law that was proclaimed 45 years ago.

“The Duterte martial law is not abusive. It aims to flush out the terrorists, particularly the Maute group and their minions,” said Ladayo.

Meanwhile, anti-Duterte protesters rallied along España Boulevard fronting the University of Santo Tomas (UST) at about 10 a.m. before proceeding to the Chino Roces Freedom Bridge.

MOVEMENT AGAINST TYRANNY. Various anti-Martial Law groups and Duterte administration critics gathered on Sept. 21 and marched from Mendiola to Luneta to voice out their opposition to the looming threat of national martial law, extrajudicial killings, and other issues under the current administration.

Raiza Javier

Other groups like Bayan Muna and workers’ and students’ groups occupied Mendiola early Thursday morning. They then proceeded to Luneta Park later that day.

Dubbed as the “Movement Against Tyranny,” the rally gathered protesters who voiced out opposition against human rights violations, fake news, militarization of indigenous communities, and martial law, among other issues under the current administration.

Police said the number of anti-Duterte protester reached 8,000, while organizers estimated the crowd to be as large as 30,000.

The Luneta rally was joined by students from different universities, religious groups, LGBT rights groups, indigenous peoples groups, celebrities, and those who witnessed and experienced martial law under the Marcos administration.

“We are pro-democracy, pro-freedom, pro-human rights and social justice...” said Rasti Delizo, national coordinator of Laban ng Masa, one of the organizations in the rally.

Despite the clashing ideologies and beliefs of the groups that were mobilized, the Sept. 21 protest actions were deemed peaceful by the Palace.