{
  "id": 8848204,
  "title": "Philippines: Mass Sept. 21 rallies kick off as Malacañang locks down, where protests are planned",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/philippines-mass-sept-21-rallies-kick-off-as-malacanang-locks-down",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-21T04:18:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/philippines/philippines-mass-sept-21-rallies-kick-off-as-malaca%C3%B1ang-locks-down-1.500681896"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Thousands of Filipinos took to the streets on September 21, marking the 54th anniversary of the declaration of martial law under former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. In Manila, demonstrators gathered on Taft Avenue, marching towards Liwasang Bonifacio and eventually Mendiola Peace Arch near the presidential palace. Schools in Manila suspended in-person classes, reflecting security concerns and potential traffic disruptions. Police installed barriers around Mendiola, and commuters faced rerouting and delays.\n\nProtests extended beyond Manila, with actions planned in various parts of the country, such as Baguio City, Abra, Legazpi City, Calamba, Santa Rosa, Bacoor, Cavite, Lucena City, Iloilo, Bacolod, Tacloban, Roxas, Kalibo, and Davao City. Authorities in the Calabarzon region placed police forces on full alert.\n\nThe demonstrators, represented by Bayan-led activities, demanded accountability for corruption, particularly involving flood-control projects, political dynasties, stagnant wages amidst rising prices, and alleged restrictions on civil rights. They chanted \"Never again to martial law!\" as they left the rally.\n\nBayan also criticized the Marcos administration's support for the US-led Pax Silica initiative, viewing it as evidence of excessive US influence. Other groups planned their own demonstrations, focusing on issues like government transparency, corruption, political dynasties, and foreign policy.\n\nOver 17,000 police officers were deployed nationwide, with more than 15,000 in Metro Manila, according to police officials. The presidential complex, including the New Executive Building and Presidential Action Center, closed due to security precautions. Police instructed to respect protesters' rights while cracking down on violence or attacks on people or property.",
  "summary": "Manila: Thousands of people have taken to the streets of Manila, and other major cities amid nationwide protests on Monday (Sept. 21) as different groups joined together to mark the 54th anniversary of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.'s declaration of martial law. The biggest demonstrations have started early on Monday in Manila. Local radio station DZRH reported that thousands have gathered…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}