Protesters clashed with anti-riot police in Manila on Saturday, marking the 52nd anniversary of Martial Law. Activists attempted to breach police barricades to reach Mendiola Bridge, leading to confrontations with officers carrying shields. Initial reports and images from the scene depicted a policeman subduing a protester, though it was unclear whether any arrests were made.
The Adamson Chronicle shared footage showing police blocking protesters’ access to Mendiola. Unable to reach their destination, demonstrators gathered around a mobile stage on Recto Avenue to continue their protest. Elsewhere, a group from Southern Tagalog rallied near Welcome Rotonda before joining the Recto Avenue assembly, calling attention to issues such as education budget cuts, wage hikes, and agrarian reform.
In addition, the Buhay and EDSA Campaign Network plans to hold a nationwide candle-lighting event on Saturday evening to honor those who lost their freedoms during the Martial Law regime.
Martial Law, declared by the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. on September 21, 1972, led to widespread human rights violations. According to the Human Rights Victims’ Memorial Commission, over 11,000 people were victims of abuses, with 2,326 cases of enforced disappearances recorded during the period.