There has always been a misconception that the first People Power Revolution in 1986 happened only in Metro Manila, particularly at EDSA, but various demonstrations really took place in many regions across the country.

Among the popular demonstrations that helped end the 20-year dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and restored the country's democracy were the protest rallies in Davao City led by no less than President Duterte's mother, Soledad, known as "Nanay Soling."

Father Albert Alejo, SJ, or "Paring Bert," recounted his experiences during the so-called "Yellow Friday Movement" in Davao City that opposed the Marcos administration in the 1970s to 1980s.

"Napakahalagang yugto nito at dapat alalahanin (This is a very important period that should always be remembered)," Alejo said in an online forum hosted by opposition coalition 1Sambayan for the commemoration of the 36th People Power Anniversary.

Alejo started his regency at the Ateneo De Davao in 1985 where he taught in the high school department. He remembered how protest caravans were being organized every Friday against Marcos' dictatorship.

Alejo said it was the assassination of Sen. Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr.—the staunchest critic of Marcos—on Aug. 21, 1983, on his return from exile in the United States, that sparked these mass actions and the Yellow Friday Movement.

This movement, he bared, was led by Father Rodolfo Malasmas, SJ, also from Ateneo, lawyer-industrialist Jesus Ayala, and Nanay Soling.

"Nasaksihan ko talaga ang dami ng pagpatay. Sa panahon ng Martial Law, napakaraming pinatay (I really witnessed a lot of killings. During the time of Martial Law, many were killed), Alejo said.

"Araw-araw may pinapatay sa Davao at hindi mo talaga sigurado kung among mangyayari sa iyo (Everyday someone is killed in Davao and you don't really know what will happen to you)," he added.

Amid the killings in Davao during the Martial Law, Alejo said Davaoeños found hope and strength through the protest rallies organized by the Yellow Friday Movement founders.

"Nanay Soling led the marchers in yellow shirts from Magsaysay Park to Rizal Park in Davao City as a form of protest against the corruption and abuse of authority of the Marcoses," Alejo said.

"Habang nagmamartsa kami, parami kami ng parami (As we marched, more and more people are joining)," he added.

According to Alejo, the movement helped gain momentum for the 1986 People Power Revolution in EDSA that toppled the Marcos dictatorship.

The bloodless mass action across the country forced the dictator and his family to exile in the United States. When news of the Marcos family's departure reached them, Alejo said many Davaoeños rejoiced and danced in the streets.

After Ninoy's wife, Corazon "Cory" Aquino, was sworn in as the 11th president of the Republic of the Philippines, she offered Nanay Soling to be Davao City's vice mayor, but she begged off and suggested her eldest son instead, President Rodrigo Duterte.

President Duterte ended up serving Davao City as mayor and launched a successful political career that has spanned more than three decades.

Before becoming president, Duterte has been acknowledging his mother's role in the fight against Marcos.

Quoting President Duterte, Alejo continued "I will dishonor the memory of my mother by following the persons that she helped put down."

"Nanay Soling was there as the leader of the protest. May iba't ibang mga bayani sa iba't ibang parte ng Pilipinas sa panahon ng People Power (There are heroes in the different parts of the Philippines during the People Power)," Alejo said.

Alejo also called on Filipinos to be always informed and remember how the People Power Revolution paved the path to democracy.

"Importante na magkaroon ng impormasyon. Importante na magkaroon ng mga pagsusuri. Pero importante rin na gumalaw ang ating imahinsayson dahil hindi lahat ng solusyon ay nasa ilalim ng problema. Ang ibang solusyon ay nasa paglikha ng bagong daigdig (It is important to have information. It is important to assess. It is also important for us to have a vast imagination because not all solutions are at the bottom of the problem as some can be found in creating a new world)," he added.