Its anyones guess whether the next regime change will spell real change. And for this, I believe that Marcos should be buried in the Libingan ng Mga Bayani. Still, Parong noted that she eventually considered the Edsa uprising as part of a continuing struggle against the dictatorship, since her student days at the University of the Philippines. Also Read: #NeverAgain: Remembering Martial Law 49 years on. Ka Lando, as he was known in the Labor movement, was one of the handfuls of militants who opened a dialogue with the new President, particularly in the labor sector, after joining a unity rally during the May 1 Labor Day celebration that year. Now, do we want to go back to the past because it is the future that some of our people want? Pompeyo Pedroche, Metro Manila: Edsa 1 showed me a sea of humanity that proved that flowers are more persuasive than tanks. On February 7, 1986, a snap election took place due to international pressure on the president. Their vigil, she recalled, had included parents and their children, along with people who never really had any political involvement. 4. Incredible but there was none. Thus, it is the most ideal to avoid violence in this crisis. In the act of defiance, the troops refused to fire on the huge mass of unarmed people. Gen. Artemio Tadiar; Army Brig. Through his military powers, Marcos ordered soldiers to put a stop to the uprising of millions in Metro Manila Avenue. On September 19, 1987, Lean Alejandro was on his way to the Bayan office in Quezon City when a van cut into the path of his vehicle; a gunman rolled down the drivers window and fatally shot him in the back and face with a single bullet. However, in September 1972, he declared martial law to hold on to his post as the most powerful person in the country. To begin with, it was the failures of his administration and his weaknesses in his presidency that triggered the bloodless revolt. For several years, there were struggles against the dictatorship and there were struggles for economic change, but Edsa would not have happened unless several sectors organized themselves, and they had been struggling for sectoral changes, she said. This was due to military rebels, supporters of the EDSA rally, disabling the transmitter of the Marcos-controlled channels 2, 9, and 13. No bloodshed Dr. Jose Balcanao, Benguet: During Edsa 1986, groups of harmless civilians and nuns went to Edsa and made sacrifices by blocking armored vehicles and tanks from attacking. The Land Transportation Office has scrapped periodic medical examination as a requirement for holders of drivers license Bahaghari warns of harmful implication of LGBTQ+ in LTO priority lane. We forged unity and cooperation to fight against the dictatorial leadership of former President Ferdinand Marcos. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Other than the events happening outside the Malacanang Palace, inside was turmoil. Rather than a sympathetic man who became the victim of a mob, the real Marcos was a defeated tyrant whose darker plans were foiled. He makes decisions on the parameter of pragmatic things, Afable said. A dictator fell through peaceful means. That was the first time that I realized that Filipinos were really crazy if you awaken their emotions. Kill? Dr. Jose Balcanao, Benguet: During Edsa 1986, groups of harmless civilians and nuns went to Edsa and made sacrifices by blocking armored vehicles and tanks from attacking. General Ver asked Pres. Miguelito Herrera, Cabanatuan City: I was in fourth year high school when the historic Edsa People Power broke out on February 25. from February 22 to 25, 1986, a series of demonstration occurred, and it led to the removal of Ferdinand Marcos without violence or bloodshed. RAYMAR GURREA, BACOLOD CITY: The 1986 Edsa People Power could have been our chance to bring our country back to its feet. The insurgency continued because the changes that they were expecting never happened, Parong said. Copyright 2023. Thousands made possible the historic Edsa People Power Revolution on Feb. 22 to 25, 1986. This site uses cookies. Former Minister Juan Ponce Enrile and Lieutenant General Fidel Ramos have since defected from Marcos military after widespread corruption and electoral fraudulence. Those Edsa memories will be kept treasured in my heart forever. Diony Yap, Bacolod City: I remember people singing, praying, shouting, cursing FM to resign. The People Power Monument gets cleaned in preparation for the 36th anniversary of the 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution, the bloodless revolt that inspired similar regime changes elsewhere, and . I saw thousands of people surrounding Edsa. Now that's out of the way, let me lay a revisionist narrative of Edsa 1986. The bloodless revolt which put us in international map and made us darling of the world. More orders came in for Balbas to fire, but knowing that civilians were bound to get killed upon doing so, he again reasoned that the positioning was still ongoing. Marcos avoided violence not out of conscience or goodwill, but due to pressures. We should always remember that the guardrails of democracy are free speech, free media, political opposition, and regular and fair elections. 1236, declaring February 25, 2022, as a Special (Non-Working) Day to commemorate the 36th anniversary of People Power Revolution, which restored democracy and ushered political, social, and economic reforms in the country. The tanks threatened to mow down the people blocking their way if the huge crowd would not clear the way, but the civilians stood path. At least 24 soldiers of the 14th Infantry Battalion were tried before a military court but were all acquitted. Still grasping in the dark, still uncertain, still at a loss, still poor, still looked down upon and besmirched by the whole world, with a reputation as one of the most corrupt nations with dishonest people. We could say then that history has nothing to do with ones opinions or gossips, or even hearsays that one picked up in pubs. A decorated Marine soldier, who fought many battles in Mindanao, Tadiar came to a painful decision when he ordered his troops to stand down. Edsa People Power I was a legacy we must be proud of. The Edsa 1986 People Power Revolution was an inspiring episode in our struggle against tyranny, which was replicated in so many other countries in the world. The EDSA People Power Revolution protest lasted for 4 days until February 25, 1986. So, because of the demonization of the Marcos administration, people are now asking, What really happened? People became curious. To me, this is the relevance of the 1986 People Power Revolution today, 31 years later. Gringo Honasan. They didnt want Marcos anymore. While circling above, the huge crowd at EDSA watched tensely in fear, whether the gunships would fire their air-to-surface rockets and M60 machines. As historian Ambeth Ocampo said, the film is not about historical revisionism but historical distortion. It was at this day that my anger and hatred against the former President Marcos increased, because I could no longer find my parked car at a side street of Edsa. After Edsa, Afable continued to serve the government in various capacities, and, before returning home to Baguio, was part of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyos cabinet. It was when Marcos was proclaimed the winner and that was enough reason to mobilize the people towards civil disobedience, Liddy said. History is written by the historians, not the victors, through careful studies, research, record keepings, explorations and investigations. I remember my teacher telling us to go home and to watch on television the events unfolding in Manila. https://www.facebook.com/globaldailymirror/posts/1220809132028791. Parong participated in seeking reparations from the Marcoses, who merely offered a compromise settlement of $150 million, while they were exiled in Hawaii. Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. February 25, 2020 | 12:00am Today, we should deeply reflect on the meaning and significance of EDSA to our historical struggles against all forms of oppression, exploitation, social injustice,. "Forgotten heroes of 1986 Edsa revolt". There were a lot of groups within the Marcos camp that was already struggling or competing for influence and power, he said. On Feb. 24, the third day of the EDSA 86 uprising, another group of military officers and men, the famed 15th Strike Wing of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), led by Col. Antonio Sotelo, instead of bombing Camp Crame as ordered, defected, tilting farther the balance of firepower to the side of the Enrile-Ramos camp. Nuns, priests and civilians were holding rosaries and flowers. I can still vividly recall how we marched along Edsa at the calling of Cardinal Sin, without fear and anticipation of the great danger ahead of us. The snowballing protest movement was also compounded by the global economic crisis, its headwinds lashing the Philippine economy which contracted by 7.3 percent for two consecutive years starting 1984. The peaceful outcome of the revolution was almost miraculous in scale, but followers of the deposed president claim that it was due to the president himself. But they were short-lived. No suspect was charged in court. Renato Taylan, Ilocos Norte: A strongman was deposed without bloodshed. Even after 25 years, I cant fully describe what I felt. Dennis Montealto, Mandaluyong City: We only heard on radio about the unfolding events. We never really broke the cycle of corruption even if we had brought him [Marcos] down, said Afable, who ironically started as a social activist of the left-wing Movement for the Advancement of Nationalism (MAN) at the University of the Philippines. Nene Pimentel's one true legacy. The Land Transportation Office has scrapped periodic medical examination as a requirement for holders of drivers license with five to ten years validity. Then the people came. 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Next, I saw the former President Marcos alighting from the plane. Seeing the goal of the uprising triumphantly achieved is an incomparable feeling. On January 22, 1987, the farmers march calling for comprehensive land reforms ended in violence when anti-riot personnel, including lawmen in plain clothes, opened fire on unarmed protesters, killing at least 12 and injuring 51 protesters near Mendiola Bridge leading to Malacaang Palace. authentic people power. He said, Umalis na si Marcos. With those words, I woke up immediately and saw the people in jubilation. Already have an active account? 2. Claim: The 1986 EDSA People Power was bloodless because of Marcos (21 July, 2022) Retrieved from https://factsfirstph-partners.rappler.com. Portraying the dictator and his family in a sympathetic light contributes to the Marcos disinformation propaganda machinery, humanizing and normalizing their bogus narratives to further rehabilitate the Marcos name. While we learn about history in school, it is important to refresh our memory about the important events in our country. (Editors Note: We have just added another channel to reach Inbox World via the growing Facebook community. Afable recalled phoning his family, telling them he might die at any moment, if the government troops loyal to the President moved in to quell the military uprising. Ruben Viray, Antipolo City: I get teary-eyed each time memories of Edsa 1986 come to mind. Charlie Magne Decena, 26, a call center agent, said that since the 1986 People Power Revolution which has always been commemorated for years as the event that restored the freedom of Filipinos, it should remain as a day remembered by all. February 25, 1986 marked a significant national event that has been engraved in the hearts and minds of every Filipino. The 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution was a peaceful protest of millions of Filipinos united against the dictatorship of former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. By then, the 11th President of the Philippines, Cory Aquino, took office in Malacanang Palace. I remember the nuns making a short visit to each classroom, telling us to get out and proceed to our school church for a prayer vigil. Col. Dencio Acop (Ret), Baguio City: I was a second lieutenant who was in the inner circle of then Philippine Constabulary Chief Lt. General Fidel V Ramos during Edsa 1986. Adrian Catral, Quezon City: The jubilation of the people upon hearing the news of the Marcoses flight to Hawaii is etched in my mind. Walang gutom sa mga araw na yun. Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@Rappler/More videos on Rappler: https://www.rappler.com/video Through an appeal on Radio Veritas, Manila Archbishop Jaime. Research paper, Pages 7 (1523 words) Views. Lucas Banzon Madamba, Laguna: Edsa 1986 reminds me of the sacrifices of the majority of Filipinos to regain freedom and democracy for our country. President Ferdinand Marcos 20-year reign was marred with corruption, violence, electoral fraud and abuses, and the people had enough. Marcos. Anne Marie de Chavez, Las Pias City: I have very vivid memories of Edsa 1986 because my companions and I had to sit in the first row in front of the tanks. Recalling that four-day EDSA uprising, Ermita said that definitely there was Divine intervention during the four-day historic event that freed the country from oppression when then President Ferdinand Marcos and family fled the country after 20 years of rule. But it didnt. FORMER Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario, who steered the Philippines in securing a landmark maritime legal victory in the South China Sea, has passed away. Manuel Abejero, Pangasinan: We were watching a live telecast of that conversation between the late President Ferdinand Marcos and his late Chief of Staff Gen. Fabian Ver. EXPENSIVE healthcare has reduced the confidence of Filipinos that they will live longer and healthier lives, according to the latest study released by Manulife Philippines. So, Cory lost [the election]. The Dilemma of General Tadiars forces at EDSA (24 February, 2021) Retrieved from https://hrvvmemcom.gov.ph. I kept asking myself, Was it right to support them, just to oust Marcos? Parong recalled. The 1986 Edsa Revolution: Lessons learned, then and now. The "People's Power" was never meant for the Failipino people, it was intended for the oligarchs who are running/ruining . Then, after that momentum, where are we now? Jim Veneracion, Naga City: My vivid memories of Edsa 86 were the agonizing three days before Marcos was driven out of Malacaan. Meanwhile, Parong volunteered in the new government community health program, with then DSWD Secretary Mita Pardo de Tavera. Holders of drivers license with five-year or 10-year validity will no longer need to undergo the prescribed periodic LTO scraps periodic medical exam requirement for driver's license holders. Marcos for an order to bomb Camps Crame and Aguinaldo. Finally, he pointed to the sense that, for all the political and economic reforms of the past 35 years, people had this failed expectation from 1986 to the present. Dela Cruz, then the countrys ambassador-at-large in the Middle Eastthe leading destination of overseas Filipino workerssaid that while there was a continuing clamor for change, there was also a continuing effort of the old oligarchy to get back at Marcos., These problems, he said, were compounded by the US factor, since Mr. Marcos was trying to stir away from the handshake of the big powers like America. He added, but did not elaborate, that the continuing US pressure from Congress and media which fueled articles against the regime was a campaign started a long time ago by certain forces in the US.. To this day, the image of nuns kneeling in front of tanks praying hard with their rosaries remains one of the most iconic images of the 1986 revolution. J.R. Mondonedo Jr., Paraaque City: There was chaos in the streets and Filipinos, for the first time, were united. The revolution of the people, General Ramos called it, after what began as a military uprising drew civilians pledged to protect the rebel soldiers. According to its proponents, no one will care about mainstream history we have today, if there are untold truths being suppressed by the victors. Balbas mission was to fire the deadly 105mm cannons at Camp Crame where the rebel soldiers were camped. Many countries were astounded by our country's move and it draw much more attention because nobody died. I was part of the revolution from day one until Marcos fled the country and witnessed the symbolic jump of Fidel Ramos at Edsa. This was the only time Filipinos became united. No spam. Nevertheless, like many of the stories made in favor of Marcos, there are lies behind the claims. Violence must be avoided at all cost, and money matters to Marcos. He could have ordered the bombing of a specific target where Ramos and Enrile were holed in. All of them and the rest of the standard bearersErnesto Abella, Norberto Gonzales, Faisal Mangondatu and Jose Montemayorpromise to fight corruption. https://news.tv5.com.ph/bilangpilipino/read/fact-check-video-claiming-marcos-did-not-want-bloodshed-during-people-power-lacks-context. Observe. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sotelo and his men were aboard Sikorsky and UH1-H Huey helicopter gunships circling above Camp Crame when they defected by landing their choppers in Camp Crame. 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