Protesters assemble at heroes cemetery as Marcos’ 100th birthday is marked

September 11, 2017

Protesters assembled at the Libingan ng mga Bayani despite light rain to express their anger over the celebration of the 100th birthday of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos.

The death anniversary of Marcos, who ruled the Philippines from 1965-1986, was being commemorated with guests and congressmen who were invited by Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos, the dictator's widow.

Media was not allowed to cover the event which started at 9:30 am followed by lunch.

Vice President Leni Robredo said in a statement there is nothing to celebrate. " It is ok for a family to commemorate the death anniversary of a family member. But to be celebrated by a nation, that is wrong," she said in a speech at Dona Remedios Trinidad town in Bulacan.

"We appear to have forgotten all the sins he has done. It is as if history is being revised which should not be the case," added Robredo.

People carried placards and shouted that President Rodrigo Duterte, who approved the burial of Marcos in the Libingan ng mga Bayani is no different from the former president. Police estimated they were around 500.

"Marcos no hero-- Anakpawis." and MarcosDuterte Walang pinag-iba-- Bayan Muna," read two slogans of protesters outside the cemetery.

"They said Marcos did not steal money. They kept it so it can used when the economy needed it. Do you believe that?," asked former Bayan Muna Partylist Rep. Neri Colmenares. The throng replied: "No!"

"Nakaw na bayan, ibalik! Never again, never again," the protesters chanted.

Duterte defended his decision to declare a holiday in Ilocos Norte to honor Marcos' death anniversary. He also spoke about an offer from the Marcos family to return a few gold bars which he said will be up to Congress whether immunity from the remaining criminal cases will be granted.

"These shameless concessions handed by Duterte will whitewash Marcos' heinous crimes against the Filipino people, while his family creeps back into power," said human rights group Karapatan in a statement.

Beside the protesters were Marcos supporters, which police estimate to close to a 1,000. The members of the PNP-Special Reaction Unit were in between the group.

The protesters arrived at 10:30 am and left at 12:30. DMS