Martial Law

2024 - 9 - 21

Martial Law: A Time for Reflection, Action, and Candlelight Vigils!

martial law anniversary Activism - Civil Rights - Education - Ferdinand Marcos - Martial Law - Philippines History - Protests - martial law anniversary

Join us as we remember the 52nd anniversary of Martial Law in the Philippines with meaningful discussions, rallies, and films!

Fifty-two years ago, Ferdinand Marcos Sr. declared Martial Law in the Philippines, a pivotal moment that shaped the nation’s political landscape. As we reflect on this significant anniversary, various groups across the country are taking the opportunity to remember those dark days not just in solemn remembrance, but also through critical discussions on the impact of this period. From forums in Iloilo to candle-lighting ceremonies in Davao, Filipinos are coming together to honor the victims and advocate for truth and justice.

Protests have once again taken to the streets, especially in Manila, where demonstrators faced off against anti-riot police near Mendiola Bridge. The tension ringing through the air echoes the turmoil experienced in the 1970s when dissent was silenced by the imposition of Martial Law. Many protesters are advocating for #NeverAgain to Martial Law, underscoring a collective desire to prevent a repeat of history and promote an informed citizenry that values democracy.

This anniversary also highlights the important role played by the Catholic Church during those tumultuous years. While many clergy and nuns supported the regime under pressure, a notable minority could no longer tolerate the abuses and chose to stand for justice. Their conflicting actions during the era offer rich insights into the moral dilemmas faced by individuals caught in the throes of authoritarianism, highlighting a defining struggle between faith and politics that resonates even today.

As we recognize the legacy of Martial Law, it’s also vital to engage with our past through art and media. For instance, films and documentaries depicting the oppression of that time, such as "A Rustling of Leaves: Inside the Philippine Revolution," serve as invaluable tools for education and reflection. By watching these pieces, we dive deeper into the narratives that shape our understanding of freedom and rights. Ultimately, this solemn anniversary is not just about remembering but also about learning and acting, fueled by the wisdom and experiences of those who came before us.

Did you know that nearly 34,000 people were imprisoned during the Martial Law regime? Many were subjected to torture, highlighting the severe abuse of power that marked that era. Additionally, various artistic expressions not only documented the horrors of Martial Law but also helped to foster a sense of unity and resistance among Filipinos, shaping how succeeding generations view and engage with democracy today!

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Image courtesy of "Ateneo de Manila University"

Remembering Martial Law: A Reading List | Features | Ateneo de ... (Ateneo de Manila University)

It's been 52 years since Ferdinand Marcos Sr. declared Martial Law in the Philippines. It is an event that secured the power of the dictator and his cronies ...

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Image courtesy of "INQUIRER.net"

Martial Law and the Catholic Church in the 1970s (INQUIRER.net)

In the Philippines, a tiny percentage of the 4,000 clergy and 15,000 nuns who could no longer withstand the Martial Law abuses eventually pledged allegiance ...

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Image courtesy of "Philstar.com"

Clashes break out as protesters mark 52nd anniversary of Martial Law (Philstar.com)

Protesters faced off against anti-riot police in Manila on Saturday, September 21, as they attempted to march towards Mendiola Bridge, located near ...

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Image courtesy of "GMA News Online"

Protesters clash with Manila police on 52nd Martial Law anniversary (GMA News Online)

Protest marchers on Saturday clashed with anti-riot police as they made a push to reach Mendiola Bridge in Manila City on the 52nd anniversary of Martial ...

Philippines commemorating 52nd anniversary of martial law ... (Crisis24)

Philippines commemorating 52nd anniversary of martial law declaration Sept. 21. Rallies planned. Increased security likely.

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Image courtesy of "Digicast Negros"

The impact of Martial Law: A call for reflection and action (Digicast Negros)

As we reflect on the dark days of Martial Law in the Philippines, particularly in Negros, it is crucial to acknowledge how time and historical revisionism ...

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Image courtesy of "Minda News"

Davao activists to commemorate martial law declaration (Minda News)

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 20 September) – Around 100 activists will hold a rally here on Saturday, September 21, to commemorate the 52nd anniversary of ...

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Image courtesy of "Panay News"

Ilonggos to mark 52nd anniv of martial law declaration (Panay News)

ILOILO City – Ilonggos will gather for a forum-discussion and candle lighting this Saturday, September 21, to mark the 52nd anniversary of the declaration ...

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Image courtesy of "Rappler"

#NeverAgain to Martial Law: 18 must-watch films, documentaries on ... (Rappler)

A Rustling of Leaves: Inside the Philippine Revolution is a 1988 Canadian documentary by Nettie Wild that explores the political unrest in the Philippines after ...

52 Years After Martial Law: Unlearned Lessons (Daily Guardian)

Fifty-two years ago, on September 21, 1972, the Philippines entered one of the darkest chapters of its history as Martial Law was imposed by then-President ...

Martial law at 52: Group renews calls to address 'historical distortion' (Manila Bulletin)

A group of education workers on Saturday, Sept. 21, called for a nationwide observance and a “collective awakening to our shared history” in light of the ...

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Image courtesy of "Minda News"

Progressive groups stage protest rally to mark 52nd martial law ... (Minda News)

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 21 September) – Various progressive groups in the Davao region staged a protest rally to commemorate the 52nd martial law.

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Image courtesy of "Sun.Star"

Davao City's commemoration of Martial Law canceled (Sun.Star)

The scheduled Martial Law Commemoration in Davao City has been canceled, resulting in the cancellation of planned road closures.

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Image courtesy of "Bulatlat"

52nd year of Martial Law imposition: Fighting back vs oppression continues (Bulatlat)

MANILA – An important lesson of martial law in the Philippines is standing up against tyrannical rule, activist Bonifacio Ilagan said during a protest on Sept. 21, the 52nd year of martial law. The progressive groups assembled along España Street in Manila ...

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Image courtesy of "The Manila Times"

Protesters, police clash in martial law rally (The Manila Times)

(UPDATES) PROTESTERS clashed with anti-riot police in the nation's capital on Saturday as the country commemorated the 52nd anniversary of the declaration ...

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Image courtesy of "INQUIRER.net"

Martial law anniversary brings spotlight on Duterte (INQUIRER.net)

On the 52nd anniversary of the 1972 declaration of martial law, rights groups refocused the spotlight on former President Rodrigo Duterte.

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Image courtesy of "Philstar.com"

EDITORIAL - The impact of Martial Law on Cebu and Cebuanos (Philstar.com)

On September 21, 1972, President Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial Law in the Philippines, a move that would cast a long shadow over the nation for years to ...

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Image courtesy of "INQUIRER.net"

Fil-Am activists hold 'national day of action' on Martial Law anniversary (INQUIRER.net)

Filipino American activists held rallies throughout the United States to mark the 52nd anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law.

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Image courtesy of "Minda News"

UPLM Statement on the Commemoration of the Declaration of ... (Minda News)

On this commemoration of the declaration of Martial Law on September 21, 1972, the Union of Peoples' Lawyers in Mindanao (UPLM) calls on all members of the ...

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Image courtesy of "The Varsitarian"

UST marks Martial Law's 52nd anniversary with lighting of ... (The Varsitarian)

THE UNIVERSITY commemorated the 52nd anniversary of the Martial Law declaration on Sept. 21 by lighting up its landmarks in red and screening a film on ...

52nd martial law commemoration rally in Davao peaceful (Mindanao Times)

DCPO spokesperson Captain Hazel Tuazon stated that the Tourist Police Unit increased their presence at Freedom Park and Roxas Avenue to secure the site. Acting ...

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Image courtesy of "Vera Files"

'Never again' to Martial Law remains relevant 52 years after (Vera Files)

The election of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as president in 2022 may have rehabilitated the Marcos image to many Filipinos but it did not completely erase the ...

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Image courtesy of "Digicast Negros"

Protestors: Resist resurgence of martial law's 'dark legacy' (Digicast Negros)

The Bayan Negros led rally in front of the Bacolod City Government Center replica at the plaza on Saturday.*CPG photo Negrenses lit candles at the.

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Image courtesy of "BusinessWorld Online"

Early Martial Law and the legal struggle - BusinessWorld Online (BusinessWorld Online)

73-02297. That's my student ID number. And every University of the Philippines (UP) student carries that number forever.

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Image courtesy of "Rigoberto Tiglao -"

Demystifying Marcos' martial law regime - Rigoberto Tiglao (Rigoberto Tiglao -)

WHEN Ferdinand E. Marcos imposed martial law on Sept. 22, 1972,* I was an Ateneo college drop-out heading the Manila and Rizal organization of the Communist ...

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Image courtesy of "Daily Guardian"

Martial Law remembered across PHL (Daily Guardian)

By Juliane Judilla and Joseph Bernard A. Marzan. Hundreds gathered across the Philippines to commemorate the 52nd anniversary of the declaration of Martial ...

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Image courtesy of "Panay News"

52ND MARTIAL LAW ANNIVERSARY; Local labor group leader: 'Let ... (Panay News)

BACOLOD City – The said, “Let us not allow history to repeat itself.” This was the remarks of Wennie Sancho, secretary general of General Alliance of ...

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