Filipinos joined protests marking the 77th International Human Rights Day on December 10. Thousands nationwide marched to uphold human rights and condemn the Marcos regime for its relentless violations of the people’s rights.

Karapatan and Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) led the actions in Manila and 15 cities and provinces. The International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines expressed support for the mobilization.

In Manila, thousands participated in the gathering and program at Liwasang Bonifacio and the march to Mendiola. Aside from organizations based in the National Capital Region, groups from Southern Tagalog also joined the protest. Their united call: “End the fascist, corrupt, and oppressive US-Marcos Jr. regime!”

In May 2025, the Marcos regime formally implemented the National Action Plan for Unity, Peace, and Development 2025-2028. It served as the framework for intensified political repression of the people. The National Task Force-Elcac primarily enforces it.

According to Karapatan’s record, at least 11 million Filipinos have fallen victim to human rights violations committed by state forces under the Marcos regime. These include victims of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, forced or fake surrenders, indiscriminate shootings and bombings, forced evacuation and threats, harassment, and intimidation, including Red-tagging.

At least 696 political prisoners remain detained, 163 of whom were arrested under Marcos. Political prisoners include 136 women, 93 elderly, and 89 with illnesses. Also detained are 12 National Democratic Front of the Philippines consultants and staff for peace negotiations.

Concluding the protest in Mendiola, groups burned an effigy of Marcos and Sara Duterte depicting them as the king and queen of fascism and corruption. The effigy showed Marcos and Duterte carrying armalites while sitting on cash suitcases that symbolized corruption.

Similar protests and activities were held in Baguio City, Tabuk City in Kalinga, Mountain Province, Laoag City in Ilocos Norte, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Legazpi City in Albay, Naga City in Camarines Sur, Iloilo City, Kalibo City in Aklan, Roxas City in Capiz, Bacolod City, Cebu City, and Davao City.

Church and legislators uphold human rights

Since the previous Duterte regime, the state has held the bloodiest record of human rights violations in Mindanao. The most severe abuses occurred during the imposition of martial law from May 2017 to 2019.

On December 9-10, the Mindanao Human Rights Summit was held in Davao City. A total of 242 delegates from the Church, along with lawyers, human rights defenders, and mass organizations from Mindanao, attended the event.

Participants held the general assembly and launching of Pakighiusa sa Anawim-Mindanao (Panaw-Mindanaw) on the second day. The newly established group aims to give voice and justice to victims of human rights violations in Mindanao.

Congress relaunched the Legislators for Human Rights or Makatao Coalition on December 9. The coalition aims to advance laws that will protect human rights. Including the Makabayan Bloc, it was initially formed by legislators in 2018 to oppose the extrajudicial killings by the then Duterte regime. It is currently led by Rep. Leila de Lima.