US embassy tells Americans to avoid Sept. 21 rallies 'due to potential for violence'

The United States Embassy in Manila on Friday urged Americans in the country to avoid the sites of the anti-corruption rallies scheduled on Sept. 21, 2025 "due to the potential for violence."

In a message to US citizens in the Philippines, the embassy called for caution ahead of the planned mass demonstrations against corruption led by multi-sectoral groups.

US citizens were advised to avoid areas of demonstrations, which will also coincide with the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of martial law by former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

"Numerous protests responding to allegations of government corruption are planned in Metro Manila for Sunday, September 21, 2025, to coincide with the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of martial law by former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. A broad range of students, church groups, civil society organizations, labor unions, and political coalitions are expected to join the demonstrations," the embassy said.

Locations, it said, include, but may not be limited to Rizal Park (Luneta) in Manila at 9:00 a.m. and People Power Monument in EDSA, Quezon City at 2:00 p.m.

'Exercise caution'

"US citizens should avoid these demonstrations due to the potential for violence," the embassy said.

Americans should "exercise caution when in the vicinity of any large gatherings, as even peaceful demonstrations have the potential to turn violent without warning," it added.

They are also advised to follow local media and government sources for updates on possible disruptions due to protest activity.

Various groups have organized rallies in the capital and other cities across the country to express their outrage over massive corruption on flood-control projects involving lawmakers, public works employees and private contractors. Security forces have been placed on alert. 

The embassy asked US citizens to follow instructions from local authorities.

READ: Venues of anti-corruption rallies outside NCR on Sept. 21, 2025

Trillion-Peso March

According to Oscar Oida’s report in “24 Oras” on Friday, the Quezon City Police District and the organizers of the “Trillion Peso March” conducted a walkthrough at EDSA People Monument, where over 50,000 are expected to attend. 

“Peaceful protest ang gagawin po natin. Wala po tayong ito-tolerate na anumang karahasan tsaka wala po tayong panawagan na regime change sa labas ng Saligang Batas. Ang mahalaga po ay maihayag natin yung galit natin tungkol sa lahat ng mga anomalya sa ating infrastructure projects,” said Kiko Aquino Dee, spokesperson of the “Trillion Peso March.” 

(We will be holding a peaceful protest. We will not tolerate any violence, and we are not calling for a regime change outside of the Constitution. What's important is for us to express our anger about all the anomalies in our infrastructure projects.) 

While personnel from the QCPD will be on standby, the organizers will also deploy 500 marshals to guide the attendees and protesters. 

“Ang kapulisan po naka-standby sila just in case of any disturbance. Ang hindi po mahawakan ng mga marshal, kung hindi kaya ay tatawagin yung assistance ng pulis,” said Edwin Fernandez of Alyansa ng Nagkakaisang Mamamayan.

(The police will be on standby just in case of any disturbance. If the marshals can't handle something, they will call for police assistance.) 

The Quezon City protest will begin at 9 a.m. at the People Power Monument and the whole stretch of White Plains Avenue will be closed for the attendees and protesters. 

No politicians

“Walang political personalities ang magsasalita sa program. Ang mananaig na boses ay ang boses ng taong bayan na mismong nakaranas ng pagdurusa dahil sa mga floods na naganap…” said Dee. 

(No political personalities will speak at the program. The voice that will prevail is the voice of the people who directly experienced suffering due to the floods that occurred…)

The program for the “Trillion Peso March” is expected to be finished by 5 p.m. in the afternoon. 

Meanwhile, another protest will be held at Luneta Park which will be participated by progressive groups. 

There will also be similar gatherings in Cebu City, Iloilo City, and Bacolod City. 

On the other hand, pro-Duterte supporters will conduct a prayer rally on the same day in Davao City. –with Vince Angelo Ferreras/ NB/ VDV, GMA Integrated News