MANILA, Philippines – Over the week, groups opposed to the burial of former president Ferdinand Marcos continue to stage demonstrations, calling for President Rodrigo Duterte to be held liable for the surreptitious interment of the dictator.

Several groups again went to the People Power monument along EDSA on Wednesday evening, November 23, to rally against Duterte’s policies and pronouncements that seem to be a “creeping” reflection of Marcos’ iron fist rule.  

“The message actually [was] likening the Duterte administration’s [pronouncements] to what happened [during Martial Law] – not just the burial issue but also the [extrajudicial] killings,” said Ellecer Carlos, spokesperson of iDefend.

The human rights group organized Wednesday’s gathering attended by fellow human rights activists, youth leaders, and cause-oriented artists.

Aside from the killings spurred by the administration’s war against drugs, the protesters also warned against the “moves towards a more repressive state.” They cited Congress’ push for the reinstitution of the death penalty, lowering the age of criminal liability, and the failure to lift the state of national emergency after the deadly Davao City blast. 

“[These are creeping] repressions…. We tied together everything that is happening and it seems he is moving toward a more repressive state,” said Carlos.

Carlos said more demonstrations are expected in the coming days, leading to the grand rallies organized by major anti-Marcos blocs.

On Friday, November 25, the Campaign Against the Return of the Marcoses in Malacañang or Carmma will stage a rally in Luneta at 4 pm.

Meanwhile, the Coalition Against Marcos Burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani or Camb-LNMB will hold another gathering at the People Power Monument on November 30. – Rappler.com

All photos by Alecs Ongcal