Philippines: Duterte declares “National Day of Protest” Sep. 21 /update 1

Event

The Movement Against Tyranny, an umbrella organization of protest groups, has announced a demonstration will be held in Manila’s Luneta Park (Rizal Park) on Thursday, September 21, beginning at 14:00 (local time). The protest marks the 45th anniversary of the imposition of martial law by former dictator Ferdinand Marcos, and calls for an end to extrajudicial killings by security forces and criticizes the erosion of democratic norms under President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration. A heavy security presence should be expected near all protests and clashes between demonstrators and security personnel are possible.

In response to the above plans, the Philippine government has declared September 21 a "National Day of Protest," and encouraged all those with grievances against the government (past or present), to come out and demonstrate. All government offices, public schools, and universities will be closed on the day.

Although President Duterte has assured demonstrators that they will not be arrested as long as they remain peaceful and do not violate any laws, his defense chief previously announced on Friday, September 15, that the president may impose martial law nationwide should protests become disruptive.

Context

Since becoming president in 2016, Duterte has aggressively pursued the eradication of drugs from the country. According to police, some 3500 people have died in anti-drug operations since Duterte came into office, although human rights organizations claim a much higher death toll.

Furthermore, the Philippine government is currently battling various militant Islamist groups active in the south, including Islamic State (IS)-affiliated Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), the Abu Sayyaf militant group, and the Maute group. The conflict is part of a wider decades-old insurgency in marginalized Muslim-majority areas of the Philippines.

Advice

Individuals in Manila are advised to avoid all protests, to monitor the situation, and to obey all instructions issued by the local authorities.

As a reminder, most Western governments formally advise against all travel to southwest Mindanao and to the Sulu Archipelago due to terrorist activity, regular clashes between the military and insurgent groups, and the risk of kidnapping by Abu Sayyaf.