Duterte groups set counter-protests on Martial Law anniversary
Thousands of supporters of President Rodrigo Duterte set a counter-protest at the Plaza Miranda in Quiapo on Thursday afternoon, September 21.
Placards raised in support to Pres. Duterte. Photo by Dianne Mariano/THE FOURTH
Female pro-Dutertes doing the peace sign. Photo by Dianne Mariano/THE FOURTH
Bigger contingent of pro-Duterte groups settled at the Plaza Miranda.
Among the supporters were Friends of Rody Duterte (FORD), Kilusang Pagbabago, Liga Independencia Pilipinas, Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP Laban), I am Du30 Humanitarian Group, and Du30 Riders Volunteers.
Delegations from San Juan City, Mandaluyong City, Pasay City, Caloocan City, Olongapo City, and Valenzuela City were also present at the protest.
Benny Antiporga, a government official and head organizer of the protest, said in exclusive interview:
“Talagang suporta tayo sa proyekto ng pangulo at alam natin na ang pinaglalaban niya ay para sa nakakarami. Tama na ang politika, bayan naman.” (We really support the projects of the president and we know that he is fighting for the benefit of everyone. Put the nation first, before politics.)
When asked if he thinks that the President would declare Martial Law in the country, he boldly said, “Hindi mangyayari ‘yon. Bakit siya magde-deklara ng Martial Law eh overwhelming yung support; yung popularity rating niya sobrang taas.” (That would not happen. Why would the President declare Martial Law when the support is overwhelming; when his popularity rating is extremely high.)
Around 200 policemen were deployed in the venue to ensure peace and order. Police from Manila Police District Headquarters were augmented to District 3 (Police Station 3). All the units in the headquarters were deployed in Plaza Miranda.
Senior Inspector Alberto Saygo of District 3 National Capital Region (NCR) stated their preparation for the event. “Yung sa Explosive Ordinance Division (EOD), may dala silang k9 dogs, iikot dito ‘yon tapos titignan kung may Improvised Explosive Device na nakalagay sa paligid,” he explained. (The Explosive Ordinance Division (EOD) has k9 dogs which will go around the place and see if there’s any Improvised Explosive Device.)
As of 4 p.m., there were no reported casualties. “It is generally peaceful,” Saygo added.
The Duterte Kitchen organized by the supporters of Duterte, served arroz caldo to those who attended the event.
Simultaneous protest rallies
Protest rallies of two significant groups transpired in key places in Manila. Bigger delegation of pro-Duterte groups trooped to Plaza Miranda while the Anti-Duterte protesters marched from España to Luneta.
The Duterte loyalists had their own program in Plaza Miranda to defend the president and to express their support for the administration. A concert was staged by the supporters. It was around 6 p.m. when the activity was called off due to the heavy rain.
Meanwhile, the national minority groups, students from different universities, youth groups and thousands of people who are against the current administration held numerous activities in Luneta to condemn the impending declaration of Martial Law.
The "Stop the killings! Never Again to Tyranny and Dictatorship!" program started at around 4 p.m. at the Rizal Park.
The countless protest rallies of different groups for and against the administration were held for the 45th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law by late former dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
This year’s September 21 was declared as National Day of Protest by President Duterte under Proclamation Number 319.
Government work and classes in all levels of public schools were suspended while those of the private sectors were left to suspend work in their own discretion.
