“We are not makers of history. We are made by history.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
Every year, the commemoration of the EDSA People Power Revolution of 1986 has been a historic moment to remember, serving as a reminder of the people’s collective strength and the importance of safeguarding freedom. The Philippine National Police, whose role extends beyond maintaining peace and order, is crucial in securing various activities such as ceremonies and public gatherings held to commemorate the revolution’s legacy.
Despite the pronouncement that struck February 25 from the list of special non-working holidays, Filipinos had refused to let the memory of the EDSA people power revolt fade away. Said historic event sparked several groups to flock at the People Power Monument along the corner of EDSA and White Plains, with an estimated crowd of at least 5,500 individuals, according to the Quezon City Police District (QCPD). Nonetheless, PNP has secured the simultaneous commemoration nationwide with the deployment of a total number of 51,172 personnel – 8,747 of which were positioned in Metro Manila while various regional police offices have also assigned personnel to monitor activities and prevent any security threat.
“Our role is to ensure that every national observance is conducted safely and with respect for history and democracy. We will continue working to strengthen public trust and uphold law and order in all our operations,” PNP Chief General Rommel Francisco D Marbil said.
PNP Chief, PGen Marbil praised the efforts of the police in maintaining peace and in respecting the democratic rights of the people. “PNP remains steadfast in its duty to preserve peace and order on this important national occasion. The peaceful conduct of activities today is proof of our dedication to public security and the democratic principles of our Constitution,” the top cop said.
In one of the activities at the monument, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, together with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, led in the wreath laying ceremony. This year, survivors of Martial Law, as well as young student leaders had actively participated in the activities, underscoring the role of the event not just in the past but also in shaping the minds of the youth.
There were some minor protests but they ended well and without any untoward incident, reinforcing the overall peaceful commemoration of the anniversary.
Meanwhile, a number of educational institutions, particularly private and Catholic schools nationwide, had suspended classes on the historic day to commemorate one of our country’s largest democratic milestones. School representatives had expressed through their voice those moments like the EDSA people power in Philippine history which is most deserving of the recognition.
At the end of the celebration, PGen Marbil reaffirmed PNP’s dedication to maintaining peace and security, and its commitment to strengthening democratic values. “It is our duty to ensure that every national celebration is safe and respectful of our history and democracy. We will continue to strengthen public trust and implement the law for the peace of our country,” CPNP said.
PNP continues to promote the cause of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in maintaining order on national occasions, promoting unity and development, and reminding the important lessons of our history for a Bagong Pilipinas.
Looking back
About 20 years ago, the EDSA People Power Revolution occurring from February 22 to 25, 1986 was a peaceful uprising that led to the ousting of President Ferdinand Marcos, Sr., restoring of democracy under former President Corazon Aquino.
EDSA, named after academic and historian Epifanio de los Santos, is a 28.3-kilometer-long circumferential road in Metro Manila that served as the venue for a series of peaceful demonstrations.
Triggered by widespread fraud in the 1986 snap elections, millions of Filipinos gathered along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) in Metro Manila to protest against Marcos Sr’s rule. With support from religious leaders, the military (notably Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile and General Fidel Ramos) and ordinary citizens, the movement was nonviolent despite the presence of government troops.
Facing immense pressure, Marcos Sr. fled to Hawaii on February 25, 1986, and Aquino was sworn in as the new president. The revolution became a global symbol of peaceful resistance which had inspired similar movements worldwide.
