During the 54th Martial Law commemoration in Manila on Monday, September 21, groups and individuals marched toward historic Mendiola to call for government accountability and action, according to source accounts. The demonstrations drew not only organized protesters and police forces, but also everyday bystanders whose experiences of the mobilizations ranged from impromptu learning moments to economic gains and reflections on safety.
Children Witness Demonstrations Amid National Issues
The protests took place against a backdrop of national issues, including the flood control scandal, Pax Silica, education budget cuts, and rising oil prices. Among the crowds were 11-year-old Dwin, 11-year-old Fred, and nine-year-old Ken, who witnessed the mobilization as everyday bystanders. Dwin picked up the phrase “Mga korap, pahirap sa bayan!” from the crowd and repeated it down Mendiola. According to Dwin, they wandered over out of curiosity and a search for something to watch during playtime. Their spontaneous walk turned into an unexpected learning experience.
Local Economy Fueled by Heavy Foot Traffic
Street vendors welcomed the rallies due to the heavy foot traffic generated along the route from Liwasang Bonifacio to Mendiola. Leonardo Tamayo, a 24-year-old water vendor, stated that rallies increase his daily income because people naturally buy water when crowds gather under the heat. Tamayo mentioned that while he doesn’t follow every single demand made at the rally, he has respect for the movement, observing that he and working-class groups, such as transport workers, are both struggling to survive. Transport groups like PISTON joined the rally to reiterate demands regarding recent oil price hikes driven by global issues, ahead of a scheduled fuel price increase on Tuesday, September 22. A local shop worker named Ray watched the scene from behind his storefront counter, acknowledging the surge in foot traffic that yielded positive sales despite his political leanings not necessarily aligning with the protest calls.
Did You Know? Mendiola has long been a witness to historical violence, including the Battle of Mendiola in 1970, the Mendiola Massacre in 1987, and the 2025 Martial Law commemoration rally where one person was killed and several were injured and arrested.
A Safer, Calmer Mendiola Observed by Older Bystanders
For tricycle driver Ariel Makirang, who has driven for three decades, this year’s rally was safer and calmer compared to the history of rallies in Mendiola. Makirang recalled having to pull his vehicle to the side during sudden chases and clashes at the 2025 event, but watched comfortably this time from his parked tricycle in front of the mobilization. He observed that police forces now maintain a structured perimeter, unlike past years when protesters could surge forward freely without barricades. Ahead of the September 21 events, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro appealed in a press briefing on September 16 for an orderly demonstration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What date did the 54th Martial Law commemoration take place?
The commemoration and related rallies took place on Monday, September 21.
What national issues were cited during the demonstrations?
Reports indicate that the protests occurred amidst various national concerns, such as rising oil prices, education budget cuts, Pax Silica, and the flood control scandal.
What did Palace Press Officer Claire Castro appeal for ahead of the rallies?
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro appealed in a press briefing on September 16 for an orderly demonstration.
How do local vendors view the rallies?
Vendors such as Leonardo Tamayo welcome the rallies because the heavy foot traffic increases daily income as crowds buy essential items like water under the heat.
How did older bystanders describe the security during the event?
Tricycle driver Ariel Makirang described this year’s rally as safer and calmer, noting that police forces maintain a structured perimeter compared to past events involving chases and clashes.
What transport group joined the mobilisation?
Transport groups like PISTON joined the rally to reiterate their demands regarding recent oil price hikes.
Did the bystanders join the protests directly?
Bystanders like Dwin, Fred, and Ken watched out of curiosity during playtime, while tricycle driver Ariel Makirang and shop worker Ray watched from a distance.
What fuel price change followed the rally?
Fuel prices were set to increase again starting Tuesday, September 22, just a day after the rally.
Where did the marchers head toward during the commemoration?
Groups and individuals marched toward historic Mendiola.
Who is the author of the reporting utilized for these accounts?
The reporting was filed by Lyndee Buenagua.
How did the 11-year-old bystanders get involved in the scene?
Dwin, Fred, and Ken wandered over out of curiosity during their playtime and watched the mobilization.
What specific phrase did Dwin repeat during the march?
Dwin repeated the phrase “Mga korap, pahirap sa bayan!” which he picked up from the crowd.
How long has Ariel Makirang been driving a tricycle in the area?
Ariel Makirang has been driving for three decades.
What historical events were noted regarding Mendiola?
Historical events noted include the Battle of Mendiola in 1970, the Mendiola Massacre in 1987, and the 2025 Martial Law commemoration rally.
What did Ray say about his business during the rally?
Ray acknowledged that the event brought a surge in foot traffic that yielded positive sales for his normal business day.
How did police manage the area during the September 21 mobilization?
Police forces kept watch from the sidelines and maintained a structured perimeter.
What was Leonardo Tamayo’s view on the protesters’ cause?
Tamayo stated that he respects the cause, noting that working-class sectors like transport workers are fighting for survival.
What route did vendors follow during the event?
Vendors followed the crowd from Liwasang Bonifacio to Mendiola.
What did Makirang say about the shouting during the mobilization?
Makirang shared that “What they are shouting is true… but unlike before, there is no chaos today.”
What safety conditions did Makirang compare to the current rally?
Makirang contrasted the current calm conditions with the 2025 event where one person was killed and several were injured and arrested amid sudden chases and clashes.
? How do local economic actors and everyday observers perceive the balance between public demonstrations and daily routines in Manila?