According to police officials, an estimated 16,000 Filipinos rallied in Plaza Miranda to denounce Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s autocratic tendencies and to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the declaration of martial law in the country.
President Duterte signed Proclamation Number 319, to reminisce the declaration of Martial Law which “recognizes the fear and indignation of the people against a repetition and perpetuation of such human rights violations and all other failings of the government.”
However, for anti-Duterte rallyists, this Proclamation was just a bunch of hollow words.
The rally was composed of indigenous people, political figures, students, businessmen and activists, to accuse Duterte of authoritarianism and violation of human rights due to his ferocious drug war. Meanwhile, hundreds of riot police were set out to secure the rallies.
A group of protesters called “Movement Against Tyranny” seized the opportunity to shed light on the human rights violations under Duterte’s so-called war against drugs.
Extra judicial killings were reported throughout the country. Thousands were left lifeless on the streets since the beginning of the anti-drug war operations. One of them was Kian delos Santos, a 17-year-old victim who was shot dead by police officers last August 16,2017.
Activists waved red flags and marched down the streets of Manila while holding up signs saying “No to Martial Law” and “Stop the Killings” which mirrored the masses’ fears that the President would impose nationwide military rule like that declared by Ferdinand Marcos, the late dictator.
Different images and figures of Duterte were burned down by protesters, including a cube effigy with the President’s face painted on it.
Vice President Leni Robredo shared her take on this matter, together with Anti-Duterte politicians, by warning the Filipinos about the signs of “rising tyranny”.
Amidst the rally against the President, several government officials and celebrities together with pro-Duterte rallyists took part to support the President and his ongoing projects. Around 10,000 supporters clenched their fists, which is Duterte’s trademark gesture, while chanting his name. Groups that participated in the rally included the Du30 Riders Volunteers, Liga Independencia Pilipinas, I am Du30 Humanitarian Group, OFW Global People’s Movement and the Association of License Recruitment Agency. The program, which lasted for five hours, mainly highlighted on the message of “helping Duterte finish his six-year term and quell any efforts that would prevent that from happening.”
Despite the sparked outrage that happened during the march and the heavy rain, the protest against extrajudicial killings and martial law ended peacefully at around 10:15pm in the evening.
