Duterte acknowledges fears vs. repetition of Martial Law-type rights violations

President Rodrigo Duterte has acknowledged the fears of a Martial Law-type of human rights violations in his latest proclamation, declaring September 21, 2017 as a National Day of Protest.

Proclamation No. 319 signed on September 19 and released on Wednesday pointed out that the Martial Law era of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos should be remembered for its failures, especially in upholding the human rights of the Filipinos.

“The Martial Law era that began with the promulgation of Proclamation No. 1081 (s. 1972) has imprinted itself in the collective memory of the people as a time attended by the commission of gross human rights violations, arbitrary state interventions, rampant corruption, and disregard of fundamental civil liberties,” the document Duterte signed read.

“The Administration recognizes the fear and indignation of the people against a repetition and perpetuation of such human rights violations and all other failings of the government,” it added.

READ: Pres. Duterte has signed Proclamation No. 319 declaring Sept. 21 as Natl Day of Protest pic.twitter.com/tNcQ6OJoHL

— Trisha Macas (@trishamacas) September 20, 2017

Various sectors will hold a protest on Thursday to coincide with the 45th anniversary of the Martial Law declaration. They are expected to converge at Luneta Park to protest against Duterte’s war on drugs, martial law declaration in Mindanao, among others.

Duterte said he issued the proclamation "in solidarity with the people's call against all excesses and shortcomings of the government, and with the people's desire to uphold the highest standards of integrity, efficiency and accountability in government."

He had warned protesters not to go beyond the laws during their rally so he wouldn’t have to use the police and the military against them.

In fact, he told them to be vigilant of infiltrators meant to provoke the law enforcers during their September 21 protest. — MDM, GMA News