Support gov’t programs – DU30 boys; no to martial law, killings – protesters

PRO-Duterte forces have called on the people to support the programs of the administration to ensure peace and national progress.

Support administration programs, we’ll travel, they said.

*** Anti-Duterte rallyists, on the other hand, pressed for an end to unjustified or extra-judicial killings (EJKs) and a “no return to martial law” policy.

No acts of violence and let the country live in peace and unity, they cried.

*** Pro-administration and antiadministration forces expressed their respective views last Sept. 21, as the country marked the 45th anniversary of the declaration of martial law in 1972.

Voices discernible. Positions reconcilable.

*** President Duterte’s supporters declared in a rally at Mendiola Street in Manila, “Ituloy ang pagbabago, suportado ka namin Pangulo.”

Give Duterte a chance and support him, they asked.

*** Another huge Duterte crowd gathered at the Plaza Miranda in front of the Quiapo Church to dramatize their continuing support for the President. “Pray for real change. Pray for Duterte,” they pleaded.

*** Militants gathered at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani in Quezon City warned against the re-imposition of martial law as President Marcos did in 1972.

Repressive and oppressive, they lamented.

*** Martial Law survivors led by Levy Balgos dela Cruz, 75, recalled the almost daily torture he suffered when he was detained for almost two years in Camp Olivas, San Fernando, Pampanga.

“Never again to martial law!” they cried.

*** Gathering at Camp Aguinaldo, a group from Southern Tagalog denounced human rights violations they claimed were committed by the Marcos administration.

“We were helplessly electrocuted in jail. Gusto niyo bang maranasan yun?” they asked.

*** Kaya Natin Movement, Tindig Pilipinas, and various youth groups also met at the UP Parish of the Holy Sacrifice a “Mass for Justice.”

“Never Again” to martial law and extra-judicial killings, they said. *** Among those who attended were former President Benigno S. Aquino III, Vice President Leni Robredo, Liberal Party senators Franklin Drilon and Bam Aquino, and former presidential candidate Mar Roxas.

The so-called “Dilawans” came but they were clad in angelic white this time.

*** Tindig Pilipinas urged the Filipinos to join in the protest and offer prayers for those who suffered and died because of martial law and the war on drugs.

“We are not yellow, we are not blue, we are not red, we are just Filipinos who care about democracy,” the group said.

*** At the Rizal Park in Manila, the new Movement Against Tyranny (MAT) expressed public outrage over the killing of Kian delos Santos and other minors in the war against drugs.

“Let this be a warning to President Duterte: We will not be intimidated or cowed into silence and inaction,” MAT convenor Raoul Manuel said, in the presence of former senator Rene Saguisag, Sr. Mary John Mananzan, and Bonifacio Ilagan.

*** Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said the Day of Protest was “a healthy exercise in democracy… an opportune time for those in government to hear the voice of the governed.”

Okay, keep lines open. Time for dialogue, consensus, and compromise – for the sake of beloved Philippines.