Led by national-democratic organizations and other progressive groups, various sectors commemorated the 52nd anniversary of Ferdinand Marcos Sr’s declaration of martial law with protests in and outside the country. The protests were spearheaded by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan).

“This year, we remember the anniversary of Ferdinand Marcos Sr’s declaration of martial law with indignation over the continuing violations against human rights, civil liberties, and international humanitarian law under his son Ferdinand Marcos Jr,” the groups said.

“The atrocities continue, in collusion with those in positions of political and economic power supported by the US government.” They said, just like during the martial law era, the fascist machineries such as the NTF-Elcac, laws like the Anti-Terrorism Law, and the bloated military and police are suppressing the people’s aspirations for democracy, social justice, human rights, and peace.”

Protests were held in Metro Manila, Laguna, Daraga and Legazpi City in Albay, Baguio, Iloilo City and Capiz in Panay, Cebu, Bacolod, Tacloban, and Davao. Overseas, protests were held in nine cities in the US, led by Bayan-USA.

Aside from rallies, they also held film showings, religious masses, cultural performances, and candle-lighting ceremonies to honor the anti-dictatorship martyrs and to look back at the movement that ousted Marcos Sr.