On November 30, workers and other democratic sectors successfully asserted their right to rally at the foot of Mendiola in Manila, coinciding with the commemoration of Bonifacio Day. They declared the date the Toiling Masses’ Day of Retribution against the Marcos Jr regime.

The demonstrators stood their ground despite repeated police attacks to block their march. The police’ violent dispersal injured more than 40 participants, mostly youth.

The Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) strongly condemned the police for its attack and brutality against the demonstrators. They also denounced the baseless arrest of Nilo Mortifero, a senior citizen and organizer for Bayan Muna who had recently recovered from a stroke. The group said Ka Nilo was arrested while simply walking to the restroom. After the protest, the police also charged KMU chairman Elmer Labog.

Bayan Muna also condemned the arrest of Ka Nilo. “This is a grave irony occurring on the very day of honoring the father of the Philippine revolution,” said BM. “It was unjust to arrest Ka Nilo, who did nothing wrong, but was merely asserting the people’s calls for lower prices and higher wages.”

Organizations are seriously preparing to file cases against the PNP for their brutality against the protesters, the illegal arrest of Ka Nilo, and the charges filed against their leaders.

Before marching to Mendiola, the groups held a program at Liwasang Bonifacio where they declared the people’s demands. (See the article “Groups declare November 30 as Day of the Toiling Masses’ Retribution”).

Among the protesters were the parents of OFW Mary Jane Veloso, who is scheduled to be repatriated to the Philippines from her imprisonment in Indonesia. Along with migrant groups, the protesters called for clemency for Mary Jane and her immediate release upon her return to the country. Mary Jane is a victim of human trafficking but was convicted of smuggling illegal drugs and sentenced to death in Indonesia.

Meanwhile, Anakbayan also celebrated its organization’s 26th founding anniversary.