Philippines: Activists plan to protest in Quezon City, Metro Manila, from 1000 Feb. 25

Event

Student activists plan to protest in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Feb. 25, to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the People Power Revolution and denounce President Rodrigo Duterte. Protests intend to gather at the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue gate of Camp Aguinaldo, where the Department of National Defense is located, from 1000, before marching to the People Power Monument at 1130. Dozens to hundreds of people may participate in the action.

Authorities will probably increase security at the protest location as a precaution. Localized road closures and business disruptions are possible during the action, especially along the likely protest route between the two rally sites. While unlikely, clashes between activists and security forces are possible. Mass arrests may occur if security forces consider the action to violate COVID-19 restrictions.

Context

The People Power Revolution was a series of popular demonstrations that culminated in the Feb. 25, 1986 downfall of then-President Ferdinand Marcos, whom many Filipinos saw as corrupt and oppressive. Since 2017, several groups have marked the anniversary together with anti-Duterte protests to oppose his administration's policies, like extrajudicial killings and termination of legislation that banned the presence of military and police personnel on University of Philippines campuses, and the president's alleged close relations with the Marcos family. Activists have also claimed that Duterte is moving the country toward a dictatorship through policies that allegedly curtail political opposition and reduce freedom of expression.

Advice

Avoid the protest sites Feb. 25 as a precaution. Plan for possible localized transport and business disruptions. If violence occurs nearby, immediately depart the area and seek shelter at a safe, non-government building. Heed all official security and transport advisories.