Democratic groups in Metro Manila commemorated through protest the International Human Rights Day, in connection with the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, on December 10. Similar protests where held in the cities of Baguio, Legazpi, Naga, Bacolod, Cebu, Iloilo, Roxas, Davao and the town of Kalibo in Aklan.

Karapatan and Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) led thousands of Filipinos to protest in 11 action centers in the country to denounce the reactionary government of its more than 1.6 million victims of human rights violations since Marcos assumed power last year.

The groups also condemned the US’ role in the Philippine government’s devastating counter-insurgency policy which they deem part of its interference in the country and in the Asia-Pacific. They also expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people who continue to face the US-Israeli campaign of genocide in Gaza and the West Bank.