Several progressive groups and activists will stage protest actions on Monday, September 21, to mark the anniversary of former President Ferdinand Marcos' declaration of Martial Law in 1972, despite the coronavirus pandemic.
Protesters will hold a wreath-laying ceremony at 9 a.m. at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani in Quezon City. This will be followed by their protest in the afternoon at the University of the Philippines-Diliman.
Bayan Muna chairman Neri Colmenares cited the timeliness of recalling the lessons of Martial Law as issues during that time show similarities with what's happening under the Duterte administration.
Bayan, Bayan Muna, and other sectoral groups will join next week's activities to show opposition to what they called "undeclared" Martial Law.
During their rally, they would denounce the alleged extra-judicial killings, rampant corruption, and human rights violations, among other issues.
"Dapat lahat tayo magsabi sa bayan na never again to Martial Law," activist-nun Sr. Mary John Mananzan. "This is worse than the pandemic."
Mananzan noted the current rise of state terrorism, tyranny, and weaponizing the law at present time.
Farmers would also join the protest to demand justice for the killings of peasant leader Randy Echanis and over 260 farmers and land reform advocates under the Duterte administration.
"Farmers say enough is enough and never again to dictatorship," Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) chair Danilo Ramos said in a statement.
Monday marks the Martial Law anniversary which was imposed through Presidential Proclamation 1081 on Sept. 21, 1972 and declared two days later.
The two-decade Martial Law regime was marred by killings, human rights abuses, disappearances, and media oppression. It also provided marked improvements in the Philippine economy, roads and other infrastructure and industries.