Various sectors to stage anti-martial law rally

Different groups will hold protest actions in various parts of the country against President Rodrigo Duterte's war against illegal drugs, alleged extrajudicial killings, and military rule in Mindanao.

The activities are held on the 45th anniversary of the declaration of martial law on Thursday.

Movement Against Tyranny, an alliance of groups and personalities that aim to unite all freedom loving Filipinos against tyranny, is expected to lead a massive rally at the Luneta Park.

The protesters in Metro Manila will march towards the gates of Malacañang Palace and stage a program by 1 p.m. They will then walk towards Luneta Park by 4 p.m.

A "24 Oras" report showed that the area encircling the Lapu-Lapu monument was initially allotted for protesters while a bigger area, the Burnham Green in front of Quirino Grandstand, was given to other groups who are set to conduct a feeding program.

Organizers of the rally expressed disappointment over the "small" venue assigned to them.

"Hindi nagtutugma doon sa sinasabi ni Pangulong Duterte na National Day of Protest kaya nga daw walang pasok para magparticipate ang marami, ginagalang niya 'yung karapatan and yet ganito 'yung ginagawa ng Luneta officials. So mukhang either nagsisinungaling na naman si Pangulo o hindi sumusunod sa kanya 'yung kanyang officials," said Bayan Representative Teddy Casiño.

"Nagtataka kami bakit 'yung venue na good for 100,000, inassign nila sa event na 2,000 lang ang participant. Pero 'yung venue na napakaliit, 'yun ang inassign nila sa malaking rally," he added.

The organizers said they planned to gather in front of the Rizal Monument and Philippine flag.

In Quezon City, human rights group I Defend Human Rights and Dignity (IDEFEND) and other groups such as CAMB, Block Marcos and Kalipunan will hold a picket rally at the EDSA-Quezon Avenue area at 2 p.m. After that, they will attend an ecumenical service at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani.

Aside from the rallies, a mass will be held at University of the Philippines, Diliman at 2 p.m. to be attended by members of #TindigPilipinas coalition. by 4 p.m., they will march from the UP Chapel to the Commission on Human Rights office.

The unveiling of the Jose Diokno Monument will be held at the CHR office at 5 p.m., which will be followed by a Manlaban para sa Karapatan concert at 6 p.m.

Meanwhile, supporters of the Duterte administration such as the Liga Independencia Pilipinas will also stage their own rally in Plaza Miranda.

Duterte earlier warned those who will participate in protest rallies that he will not hesitate to use force if they will break the law.

He allowed Communists to join the rallies as long as they would not carry weapons. He assured them that security forces would not arrest them.

If protesters will behave, policemen will treat them well, the President added.

Youth groups warn Duterte

Youth groups led by Akbayan earlier warned Duterte not to sabotage the anti-martial law protests or use them as a "pretext" to place the entire country under martial rule.

"Mr. Duterte, if you think declaring nationwide martial law will make you escape accountability for all your accumulated crimes against the Filipino people and continue your tyranny, then you are dead wrong. It is better if you just step down,” said Anakbayan National Chairperson Vencer Crisostomo.

"Mr. Duterte, we are warning you. Your current rush towards outright fascist rule and threats of using the full force of the police and military apparatus to quell dissent is only bound to fuel more resistance and hasten your downfall," he added.

Duterte earlier declared September 21, 2017 as a National Day of Protest as he has acknowledged the fears of a Martial Law-type of human rights violations.

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."

Class and Work Suspension

Malacañang earlier announced that work suspension on September 21 would apply to the Executive branch of government, local government units. Classes are suspended in public schools in all levels, including state-and LGU- universities and colleges, technical and vocational schools.

Some private schools already cancelled classes after Malacañang said it would be up to school administrators to suspend work and classes.

Government security forces, through the Task Force Manila Shield, are ready for the protest actions, noting that they have enough personnel to be deployed to ensure peace and order in the metro.

National Capital Region Police Office Chief Oscar Albayalde said Caloocan policemen who were relieved from their posts will be part of the 400 to 600-strong contingent.

Most of the cops will be deployed at Luneta Park as majority of the protesters are expected in the area.

Meanwhile, militant groups and civic organizations have expressed that protest rallies are also scheduled in the cities of Cebu, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro, among others. The police force in these cities will also be in full alert on Thursday.

In Cebu, contingents will converge in the area along Santo Rosario Church at 8:30 am. The group will march by 9:30 a.m. going to Gaisano Metro Colon for a short rally then proceed to the Plaza Independencia for the wreath-laying and torch-lighting ceremony at the Martial Law marker.

Rallies are also scheduled in the cities of Davao and Cagayan de Oro.— BAP, GMA News