Democratic organizations and progressive parties gathered at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila yesterday, December 10, to commemorate the 75th International Human Rights Day. Carrying the call “Bring Duterte to justice, hold Marcos accountable,” they highlighted the dire state of human rights in the country under the two consecutive regimes. Similar actions were held in various cities nationwide. At Liwasan, protesters destroyed an effigy they called “People vs. Evil and Darkness,” depicting Ferdinand Marcos Jr and the Duterte family in a trash bin, symbolizing their rottenness.

“This year, we mark International Human Rights Day in the face of renewed attempts by the Marcos Jr. regime to deodorize itself amid reports of mounting violations of human rights and international humanitarian law perpetrated by its henchmen in the military and police,” Karapatan stated.

On that very day, the Marcos administration unveiled a bogus Human Rights Action Plan, a scheme human rights groups denounced as “not aimed at addressing the root problems that lead to civil and political rights violations and breaches of international humanitarian law.” Instead, it is merely a façade intended to create the impression that ‘all is well’ in the Philippines for the international community.

“Both Rodrigo Duterte and Ferdinand Marcos Jr must be held accountable for every life killed, every victim of enforced disappearance, every innocent person imprisoned, and every suspected addict or pusher killed,” Karapatan said. “The US imperialism that designs and funds these bloody schemes must also be held accountable. The US supports regimes that adhere to policies favoring imperialists and suppress the rights of people opposing and uprising against these oppressive puppets.”

In Bicol, groups led by Bayan-Camarines Sur gathered at Plaza Quinze Martirez in Naga City. At the same time, democratic groups pushed through with a protest before the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) regional office in Legazpi City, despite police blocking their assembly in Daraga, Albay. Bicolana Gabriela’s Nica Ombao said police fined the driver of the jeepney carrying protesters despite their showing a permit. Police also verbally assaulted them and prohibited them from taking videos and photos for documentation. Bayan-Bicol has already filed a case against police officials Azotea, Fradela, Esenar, Piamir, and two others in civilian clothing.

In Cebu, rain did not deter protesters from gathering at Metro Colon. Among those present Cebu Urban Poor Women’s League chairperson Bebe Allere who shared stories of urban poor struggles against militarization in Cebu City, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu. Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas-Cebu leader Nick Abasolo also spoke about militarization in peasant communities in Cebu, particularly regarding military encampments in Bonbon, Aloguinsan. Bayan Muna, Selda-Cebu, and Piston-Cebu also joined the protest.

In Iloilo, Panay Alliance Karapatan members launched a protest outside the municipal hall. In Davao City, Karapatan-SMR held a commemoration at Freedom Park. In Baguio, progressive groups organized an evening of art and unity at Igorot Park.

Ang Bayan’s special report released on December 10 cited 508,239 human rights victims under the Marcos regime since it took power on June 30, 2022, until December 1 of this year. AB recorded 232 victims of extrajudicial killings and 79 frustrated killings, mostly farmers; 233 victims of abduction; and 488 illegal arrests and detentions. There are also 179 victims of torture and 241 victims of physical assault.

Additionally, there are 2,343 victims of coercion; 82,723 victims of forced evacuation; and 160,862 victims of threats, harassment, and intimidation.