Around 1,000 rallyists trooped to Morayta in Manila to show their support for the initiatives and assertion of ownership of President Marcos over the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Wednesday, April 10.
The Alyansa Bantay Kapayapaan at Demokrasya (ABKD) said they support the initiatives of Marcos in protecting the WPS.
They gathered in Morayta Street in Sampaloc, Manila at around 5 p.m. before marching to Mendiola Bridge.
Before their march, the group released doves as a symbol of peace and their peaceful protest.
ABKD called on all Filipinos to unite in supporting the current administration and stand together against the propaganda and aggressive actions of the China Coast Guard and the China People's Liberation Army.
They denounced China's aggressive actions against Filipino soldiers and fishermen in the territories and exclusive economic zones of the Philippines, such as harassment, water cannon bombing, intimidation, and bullying.
“Ang pananahimik o pagsasawalang kibo ay nangangahulugan lamang na pagsang-ayon sa lahat ng ginawang agrisibong aksyon ng China Coast Guard, at ito ay hindi makakatulong sa bansa kung ang bawat Pilipino ay hindi nagkakaisa (Silence only means agreeing to all the aggressive actions undertaken by the China Coast Guard, and it will not help the country if Filinos do not unite against this aggression),” they said.
The group lit candles and torches as they reached Mendiola Bridge and prayed for unity, peace, and prosperity for the country.
They also called for the immediate enactment of the Mandatory Reserved Officers Training Corps (ROTC) to help equip the youth with the necessary skills in times of calamities, disasters, crime, and terrorism.
"Filipinos do not yield! We stand and protect PBBM," they said.