Philippines: Activists to stage nationwide demonstrations to commemorate 38th anniversary of the People Power Revolution, Feb. 23-25

Activists are staging rallies Feb. 23-25 to commemorate the 38th anniversary of the People Power Revolution (also known as the EDSA Revolution). Anti-government and civic groups denounce the current president, Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., former president Ferdinand Marco, and the Marcos family in conjunction with the EDSA Revolution rallies. Activists are also protesting to reject the signature campaign to amend the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines (Charter Change, also known as Cha-cha).

• Feb. 23:

  • Buhay Ang EDSA Campaign is leading a "National Day of Prayer and Protest." Demonstrators plan to gather at the EDSA Shrine, Manila, from 09:00.

• Feb. 25:

  • Protesters led by the Buhay Ang EDSA Campaign will gather at the Ninoy Aquino Monument in Manila to stage a protest march in Makati from 07:30.

  • Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) is holding a protest at the EDSA Shrine in Manila from 15:00 Feb. 25.

  • Activists are holding a prayer rally at Plaza sa Katawhan from 19:00.

Religious leaders, cultural organizations, and student groups will also be holding gatherings and staging performances at churches, public parks, museums, and in front of government buildings. Thousands of people have participated in EDSA anniversary events in the capital in recent years. Gatherings in other cities, such as Cebu, Davao, and Bacolod, will likely attract dozens to hundreds of participants. Likely protest sites in Metro Manila include the People Power Monument, EDSA Shrine, Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, and Rizal Park. Other typical gathering venues include government buildings, monuments, university campuses, and major thoroughfares.

Authorities will likely increase security measures at announced protest sites and government buildings, such as erecting security cordons and roadblocks. Localized transport and business disruptions are probable, especially if demonstrators occupy nearby roads. Pro-Marcos activists could also stage counterrallies during any demonstrations. Clashes between opposing groups of activists or between protesters and security personnel are possible. Mass arrests may occur if protesters become overly disruptive or security forces determine that demonstrators violate any public gathering permit.