Metro Manila, Philippines – Various groups are set to protest against corruption amid an investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control projects on Sunday, Sept. 21.
What do we know so far?
Planned protests
Protests on Sunday will coincide with the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of martial law by the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos, the father of and namesake of the president.
While groups say there will be mobilization across the country, two main events are set in Metro Manila.
At 9 a.m., Taumbayan Ayaw sa Magnanakaw at Abusado Network Alliance (TAMA NA) will lead the “Baha sa Luneta” rally at Luneta in Manila.
Progressive coalition Bagong Alyansang Makabayan will then lead a march from Luneta to Malacañang nearby Mendiola St.
By 2 p.m., groups from the youth, civil society, and religious sectors will conduct the “Trillion Peso March” at the historic EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City.
Some celebrities have expressed interest in joining the protests in Metro Manila.
Meanwhile, supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte are expected to use the occasion to call for his release from the International Criminal Court, where he was detained for alleged crimes against humanity.
Weather
Metro Manila protesters, however, may encounter heavy rain due to the enhanced southwest monsoon, based on the forecast of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
PAGASA also said Typhoon “Nando” may trigger storm signals over areas in northern Luzon, especially the Batanes-Babuyan Islands, where the tropical cyclone is expected to come close or make landfall.
Security
The Philippine National Police (PNP), particularly in Metro Manila, has been on full alert since Friday to maintain peace and order.
The PNP said over 50,000 police personnel have been deployed nationwide, with close coordination with the military and other government agencies.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology will also be monitoring developments and coordinating with social media platforms, vowing to act upon content deemed not peaceful.
‘Freedom of expression respected’
Malacañang said Marcos respects human rights and the Filipinos’ freedom of expression, but cautioned them to keep their protests peaceful.
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the president feels the public sentiment, adding that Marcos called for the investigation on flood control anomalies to seek accountability.
“Maging mapanuri lamang at maging mapagmatyag dahil baka gamitin ang lehitimong layunin na ito ng mga tao na ang nais lamang ay manira ng gobyerno at iangat ang personal na interest nila,” Castro said in statement on Sunday.
