Philippines: Protests planned in Manila September 21

Event

The Movement Against Tyranny, an umbrella organization of protest groups, has announced a demonstration will be held in Manila’s Luneta Park on Thursday, September 21, at 16:00 (local time). The protest marks the 45th anniversary of the imposition of martial law by former dictator Ferdinand Marcos, and calls for the end of extrajudicial killings by security forces as well as erosion of democratic norms by President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration. A heavy security presence is should be expected near the protest and clashes between demonstrators and security personnel are possible.

Furthermore, Duterte’s defense chief reported on Friday, September 15, that the president may impose martial law nationwide should the protest 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.