Politics · Philippines Bureau
Malacañang to lock down as thousands gather for martial law anniversary
The Presidential Palace complex will restrict access on Monday as civil society groups prepare to stage major demonstrations marking 54 years since martial law was declared. The lockdown aims to manage security during anticipated large-scale protests.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Malacañang Palace will implement heightened security measures on Monday as various activist groups prepare for demonstrations commemorating the 54th anniversary of the declaration of martial law under former president Ferdinand Marcos.
The Presidential Communications Office announced Sunday that the New Executive Building, which houses several key Malacañang offices, will undergo lockdown procedures to manage anticipated protests. The restriction reflects concerns about the scale of demonstrations expected during the anniversary observance.
The martial law period, which began on September 21, 1972, remains a significant date for civil society organizations and human rights advocates, who annually organize events to commemorate the era and its documented abuses. Groups have organized rallies and gatherings at various locations to mark the occasion and continue calls for accountability regarding the period.
The palace's move to restrict access is a standard security protocol employed during periods of heightened public demonstration activity in the capital. Officials have not disclosed specific details regarding the duration of lockdown procedures or which areas of the complex will be affected beyond the New Executive Building.