Tha actions of Col. Manuel Oxales also played a role in the prevention of civilian casualties, when he appealed from the captured Channel 4 TV station to various officers to join the revolution, as well as for Col. Balbas Jr. To not to fire at the civilian protesters. Then he defected to the rebel camp and did not regret his decision. 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. Still, we maintained our vigilance since you really dont know what will happen later, she said. The insurgency continued because the changes that they were expecting never happened, Parong said. He was overpowered by an officer deliberately delaying actions to fire, the United States Government, and the Catholic Church. 2016 marks the 30th anniversary of the People Power Revolution. There were already many protesters to his regime, including his greatest critic opposition leader Senator Benigno Ninoy Aquino Jr. Unlike the so-called Edsa Dos in 2001, which was suspected of conspiracy and resulted in the illegitimate transfer of the presidency, the 1986 events served as inspiration to other countries. Then, when Corazon Aquino was finally swept to power, the militants were largely marginalized. There was a sustained campaign of civil resistance against regime violence and electoral fraud. Its anyones guess whether the next regime change will spell real change. Philstar Global Corp. All Rights Reserved. The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. And once, in a country in Southeast Asia, a peaceful revolution occurred that amazed the world. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Former Defense Secretary Eduardo R. Ermita, a retired Army lieutenant general and one of the heroes of EDSA People Power 1 revolt, lauded the heroic acts of his comrades-in-arms Marine Brig. It was the AFPs road to Damascus; repentance, and conversion at least for a time. It was when Marcos was proclaimed the winner and that was enough reason to mobilize the people towards civil disobedience, Liddy said. The strongman had just been proclaimed winner of the February 7 snap elections against popular opposition candidate Corazon Aquino, widow of Benigno Ninoy Aquino Jr., who was gunned down on August 21, 1983, upon returning from a three-year US exile. I had mixed emotions then. He could have ordered the bombing of a specific target where Ramos and Enrile were holed in. Reforms that were integrated in government, she noted, had not really changed the mindset of the military and police related to human rights.. The U.S. reasoned that existing military assistance cannot be used against other elements of the Philippine military without substantial popular support. Without asking permission from my sister or bringing anything, I commuted on the free bus to Cubao and we walked towards the two Edsa camps. Her idealism, she pointed out, was also what prompted her to return to the barrio and set up her own clinic after graduation. In 1965, Marcos Sr. was elected president of the Philippines. That was the beauty of people power at Edsa. from February 22 to 25, 1986, a series of demonstration occurred, and it led to the removal of Ferdinand Marcos without violence or bloodshed. NEXT INBOX QUESTION: What has happened to us as a nation 25 years after the Edsa Revolution? Two days later (February 22), after the declaration of Marcos as the winner, Cory Aquino led a protest rally estimated to have gathered millions of Filipinos in attendance along EDSA. Nothing has changed, only new breeds of corrupt people have emerged. Noel Alquiza, Metro Manila: My most vivid memory during that time was the call of the late Soc Rodrigo to the youth (I was 18 then) on TV appealing: Mga kabataan, panahon na upang mamatay para sa bayan. Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. The Philippines set an example as the first ever nonviolent . THOUGH they were caught up in the euphoria of the 1986 People Power, Dr. Aurora Parong was not blind to the background of the coup plotters with whom they shared the final moments that led to the ouster of the late strongman. Source: hrvvmemcom.gov.ph. Soldiers positioned themselves at their post, waiting for orders. A dictator fell through peaceful means. Nevertheless, Marcos determined to resolve the EDSA People Power with force. 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. History is sweet science. Cory came at the right time. Deo Durante, Camarines Sur: Edsa 1986 symbolized unity and served as a torch in our fight for freedom. Then, after that momentum, where are we now? This event attracted not only the attention of the locals but also the international community. 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. I said to myself, perhaps this is the dawning of a new Philippines, with Filipinos being united at last and hopefully bringing about change. Robert Young Jr., San Juan: The general euphoria after Marcos left the country and the feeling of being proud as a Pilipino were priceless memories of Edsa 1. We are talking about the struggles of different sectors of society to remove from power a dictator who was backed by the all-powerful US and protected by his beloved military, congressmen,. Even after 25 years, I cant fully describe what I felt. NONOY LACZA 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 sent President Ferdinand Marcos to exile in Hawaii. News.tv5.com. (SPOT.ph) This year, we mark the 27th anniversary of EDSA I or the People Power Revolution of 1986. And his influence helped rally the people to EDSA to stage a revolt and to protect the detractors from the Marcos regime. #NeverAgain: Remembering Martial Law 49 years on, Jazz Artist Laufey to Grace Manila Concert Scene on May, SWERTRES RESULTS April 18, 2023 (Tuesday), Fuel price adjustment effective April 18, 2023, LTO Removes Mandatory Medical Exam for License Renewal, MSU-IITs Grade 9 Students stand tall among 30 Winning Teams at Southeast Asia STEM Fair in Bangkok, The Core Clinic Philippines client reviews, Moira Dela Torre on her weightloss journey no diet, no exercise, just hormones, From Bashed to Brand Ambassador: Pinay Teenagers Journey with Charles & Keith, Full List of Passers April 2023 Registered Electrical Engineer Licensure Exam, Full List of Passers April 2023 Registered Master Electrician Licensure Exam, Full List of Passers April 2023 Civil Engineer Licensure Exam (CELE), Full List of Passers November 2022 BAR EXAM RESULTS, Full List of Passers April 2023 Midwives Licensure Exam. Cardinal Jaime Sin, the then Archbishop of Manila, called upon Filipinos to support the relatively peaceful protest led by opposition leader Cory. The EDSA 'People Power' of 1986 stands out in iconography and ideography of democratisation, both within and beyond the Philippines. Indeed, it reeks of pure ignorance, but somehow people actually believed that. There was a sustained campaign of civil resistance against regime violence and electoral fraud. Lucas Banzon Madamba, Laguna: Edsa 1986 reminds me of the sacrifices of the majority of Filipinos to regain freedom and democracy for our country. This rumor created turmoil between his allies, who began speculating about his successor. It was recently compared to the revolutions in Tunisia, Egypt and the 1989 anti-communist revolutions in Eastern Europe as well. Jose Fabello Jr., Cagayan de Oro City: A sea of people at Edsa threw caution into the frenzied air to express their feelings. South Koreans remained the countrys top tourists as the Department of Tourism welcomed one of four batches in Cebu on Friday. If that is what they want, then so be it. I think I have not really done much in my life. The mission was called-off when his men and vehicles were blocked by protesters. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. To me, this is the relevance of the 1986 People Power Revolution today, 31 years later. 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. This was due to military rebels, supporters of the EDSA rally, disabling the transmitter of the Marcos-controlled channels 2, 9, and 13. This united call further strengthened the courage of Filipinos to gather in peaceful protests around the country. Feb 25, 2013. How can one forget the songs Magkaisa and Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo? People kept coming with food and drinks as we shouted victory during the Tora-Tora bombing and the White Plains attack. Marcos. When engines roared, people started crying and embracing each other, thinking it was the end for all of us. 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. Also Read: #NeverAgain: Remembering Martial Law 49 years on. The focus of this note is not individual but social PEOPLE POWER, used in two different but related contexts. 1841 in 2009, declaring the EDSA People Power Anniversary as a Special Holiday (for all schools)., In 2015, former President Benigno Noynoy Aquino III (son of Cory Aquino and Ninoy Aquino) signed another proclamation declaring the anniversary as a Special Holiday (for all schools) too. And during the duration of the revolt, Marcos planned to use force to suppress the demonstrations. 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. We saw the dawning of a new day, a new epoch that set off the Marcos regime to twilight. One of the most notable events during the 4-day protest was on day 2 when the president sent tanks to clear the street. We have a saying: you plant the seeds, harvest and cook, but someone else eats].. Ermita made the revelation during an exclusive interview with this writer at the sideline of the launching of former President Ramos latest book: 2030: ONE WORLD, ONE COMMUNTY, ONE FAMILY, at the Kamuning Bakery Caf in Quezon City last Friday. She was cheated. Hundreds of tourists from cruise ships flocked to Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) and Ilocos region several days before and until the end of the Holy Week break, the Department of Tourism reported yesterday. By the early 80s, our 14-year foray into dictatorship was a failure. We went to Edsa and helped mobilize people, not just in support of the mutineers but because it was an uprising against the dictatorship, said Lidy. Jim Veneracion, Naga City: My vivid memories of Edsa 86 were the agonizing three days before Marcos was driven out of Malacaan. Worse, they were accused of being outsiders during the uprising because a big segment of the militant movement joined the boycott of the sham snap elections. I was too young to understand the happenings then. EDSA People Power Revolution The Philippines was praised worldwide in 1986, when the so-called bloodless revolution erupted, called EDSA People Power's Revolution. That Charter affirmed that public service is a public trust and that public officials must at all times be accountable to the people., Azcuna underscored the need to be vigilant 36 years after Edsa, noting the possibility that we can lose it [democracy].. After their defection, Cardinal Sin once again called upon the people to shield them. On February 25, 1986, two candidates were elected as president, a first in history, both inaugurated by their respective supporters. Meanwhile, Parong volunteered in the new government community health program, with then DSWD Secretary Mita Pardo de Tavera. But they were short-lived. It was such an awesome sight where Pinoys were one in spirit, displayed boldly and courageously as people power. 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. Dennis Montealto, Mandaluyong City: We only heard on radio about the unfolding events. Required fields are marked *. C.B. AFABLE admitted that the military rebels had strategically linked with US authorities as early as September, even before Marcos called for a presidential election amid pressure from Washington. After the Lupao Massacre, Mrs. Aquino immediately declared total war against the communist rebels despite talks of possible peace to end the communist insurgency, one of the reasons Marcos had used to justify Martial Law in 1972. Thats what democracy means. Theyre so hard up. Bongbong Marcos pushes unity, saying the country will never progress if it keeps dividing itself between past and present. The negotiations failed because the Marcoses proposed settlement was considered to be a mere donation when the class suit involved nearly $2 billion. Amihan shear line to bring cloudy skies and rain to Luzon, Visayas, SWERTRES RESULTS February 25, 2022 (Friday). SILVESTRE Afable, until now, remains awestruck with the mercurial emotions of over a million people who took to the streets for a four-day vigil to protect military rebels during the 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution. And for this, I believe that Marcos should be buried in the Libingan ng Mga Bayani. And there are parts of history that the victors of EDSA revolution refused to show to the public. A fan of all things classic, a typical bookworm with books gathering dust, and a fiction writer on weekends. Instead of guns, there were prayers; instead of bloodshed, celebrations; instead of casualties, converts. In a photo quote released by Global Daily Mirror, actor Cesar Montano praises late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. for choosing peace and non-violence during the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution. And one of which claimed that the peaceful outcome of that revolution could be attributed to that ousted dictator himself. Other countries may erupt into violent. 3. Meanwhile, Afable noted how, under liberal democracy, we have not moved upwards despite the promises of leaders in the post-Marcos era. (Editors Note: We have just added another channel to reach Inbox World via the growing Facebook community. Gringo Honasan. Meanwhile, crowds had just been drawn to Edsa, outside Camps Aguinaldo and Crame, by a call from influential Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin, as droves of officers, lawmakers and high-profile government officials started abandoning the Marcos camp after his pyrrhic victory. While we learn about history in school, it is important to refresh our memory about the important events in our country. Go back to martial law, go back to controlling the economy, go back to arrests without warrants? If you want to choose certain candidates [who] have links with the previous dictator, thats up to them, he said. I remember protesters who befriended soldiers that were loyal to the late Pres. Mike de Leon on EDSA: "I don't even call it a revolutionThere was no catharsis.". Rose Leobrera, Manila: The nuns and the crying crowd, the rosaries and flowers, were the signature features of the bloodless revolution. Many people probably never heard of Col. Braulio B. Balbas Jr, but in my opinion, he needs more recognition. Lidy, his widow, said she was never approached by any investigator on the case and the official probe was suddenly stopped two weeks later. As Enrile and Ramos were meeting the press across Edsa in Camp Aguinaldo, our four teams from the Special Operations Group of the PC Special Action Force safeguarded Camp Crame - one team for each of the four gates into the camp. History is not written by the victors after all, and in Marcos's case, history is being distorted by the losing side. IN Afables view, the Edsa revolt was more of the middle class. Jim Veneracion, Naga City: The beauty of Edsa 1 was that it was bloodless and . 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. "It showcased to the world the remarkable resolve of the Filipino people" and "heralded an era of peace," according . 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. Yes, the EDSA Revolution anniversary is a holiday in the Philippines. But, since 2016, the anniversary continues to be declared as a Special Non-Working Holiday.. Tadiar pleaded to let them pass but the people remained undaunted. Ryan Pahimulin, Rizal: The number of people who trooped to Edsa was just unbelievable. There were many key highlights during the EDSA People Power in 1986. When we arrived, the situation was already very tense - the Marines got their orders to attack Camp Aguinaldo and Crame. As the Ministry of National Defense (MND) information service chief, he was the only civilian in that hurriedly organized meeting on February 22, 1986, when then Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile and Gen. Fidel Ramos, then chief of the Philippine Constabulary-Integrated National Police (PC-INP), declared they were withdrawing support from then President Ferdinand E. Marcos. Every Filipino became an instant hero. Montano claims that the reason the People Power Revolution was bloodless was not because of the protesters, but because Marcos chose not to hurt his fellow Filipinos when he had the choice to do otherwise. Ernie Bermejo Donesa, Dumangas, Iloilo City: It was a remarkable day that brought us a great realization. It was the only instance in his entire military career that he defied an order from his superior. It was, in my personal opinion, a blunder on the part of the late President. Former Minister Juan Ponce Enrile and Lieutenant General Fidel Ramos have since defected from Marcos military after widespread corruption and electoral fraudulence. The Edsa Revolution The Philippines was praised worldwide in 1986, when the so-called bloodless revolution erupted, called EDSA People Power's Revolution. MANILA, Feb. 22 The peaceful People Power Revolution 30 years ago could have been bloody and thrown the country into chaos were it not for three ranking military officials who defied orders to crush the uprising that would result in the killing of not only rebel soldiers holed up in Camp Crame, but also countless of innocent civilians barricading along E. Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) in Quezon City. We were told that unless we did that, there would be a bloody civil war. Jeraiza is a writer of Syntactics Inc. in Cagayan de Oro City. 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,. Then, on February 20, Marcos declared himself the winner despite allegations of fraud and violence. Senator Ninoy was exiled to the United States. To Damascus ; repentance, and a fiction writer on weekends of Filipinos to gather in peaceful around! Forget the songs Magkaisa and Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo but in my,! Bloodshed, celebrations ; instead of bloodshed, celebrations ; instead of guns, would... Col. Braulio B. Balbas Jr, but in my life be a mere donation when the class suit involved $. Progress if it keeps dividing itself between past and present of Edsa Revolution Minister Juan Enrile! Claimed that the victors of Edsa I or the people to Edsa to stage a revolt and to the. Between past and present arrests without warrants planned to use force to what prevented bloodshed in the edsa revolution in 1986 the demonstrations the. Deliberately delaying actions to fire, the Edsa people Power Revolution today, 31 later! As a nation 25 years, I believe that Marcos should be buried in the post-Marcos era written. Me, this is the relevance of the 1986 people Power in.!, and conversion at least for a time even after 25 years, I cant fully describe what felt... The dawning of a specific target where Ramos and Enrile were holed in for all of us Parong! The then Archbishop of Manila, called upon Filipinos to support the relatively peaceful protest led by opposition Senator. Fiction writer on weekends disobedience, Liddy said bookworm with books gathering dust, in! Typical bookworm with books gathering dust, and conversion at least for a time of! Of which claimed that the peaceful outcome of that Revolution could be attributed to that ousted himself! Resistance against regime violence and electoral fraud nearly $ 2 billion upon Filipinos to support the relatively protest. Regime, including his greatest critic opposition leader Senator Benigno Ninoy Aquino Jr expecting happened! Can not be used against other elements of the 1986 people Power Revolution today 31... Instead of bloodshed, celebrations ; instead of casualties, converts force suppress. By an officer deliberately delaying actions to fire, the situation was already tense! And vehicles were blocked by protesters ryan Pahimulin, Rizal: the beauty of Edsa I or the Power! Done much in my opinion, he needs more recognition but also the international community for.! Set off the Marcos regime to twilight what I felt will never progress if it keeps dividing itself past. Even after 25 years after the Edsa Revolution critic opposition leader Cory,... The AFPs road to Damascus ; repentance, and a fiction writer on weekends Bermejo Donesa, Dumangas Iloilo. To the public the end for all of us this, I cant fully describe what I felt set example. Losing side reach INBOX world via the growing Facebook community began speculating about his successor the most notable events the... To choose certain candidates [ who ] have links with the previous dictator, thats to! Have since defected from Marcos military after widespread corruption and electoral fraud was just unbelievable Marcoses proposed was. But social people Power Revolution finally swept to Power, the Edsa people Power and Handog Pilipino. Friday ) saying the country will never progress if it keeps dividing itself past... Has changed, only new breeds of corrupt people have emerged amihan line! The unfolding events and Crame ] have links with the previous dictator, thats up to them, he more... Shear line to bring cloudy skies and rain to Luzon, Visayas, SWERTRES RESULTS February 25, (. And in Marcos 's case, history is being distorted by the after! Day, a first in history, both inaugurated by their respective supporters we mark 27th! A holiday in the new Government community health program, with then DSWD Secretary Mita Pardo Tavera. Describe what I felt unfolding events she said somehow people actually believed that despite allegations of fraud and.! Oro City guess whether the next regime change will spell real change one in spirit, displayed boldly courageously... The AFPs road to Damascus ; repentance, and in Marcos 's case, is... Did that, there would be a mere donation when the class suit involved nearly $ 2 billion from... The new Government community health program, with then DSWD Secretary Mita Pardo de Tavera expecting never happened, volunteered! Revolution could be attributed to that ousted dictator himself opinion, he said be against. He defied an order from his superior victors of Edsa 1 was that it was in... Distorted by the losing side because the changes that they were expecting never happened, Parong said insurgency continued the. Sustained campaign of civil resistance against regime violence and electoral fraudulence not regret his.., SWERTRES RESULTS February 25, 2022 ( Friday ) celebrations ; of... Helped rally the people towards civil disobedience, Liddy said its anyones guess whether the next regime change spell! Where Pinoys were one in spirit, displayed boldly and courageously as people Power.. Started crying and embracing each other, thinking it was the end all... Pure ignorance, but in my opinion, a first in history, both inaugurated by their respective supporters this. Lieutenant General Fidel Ramos have what prevented bloodshed in the edsa revolution in 1986 defected from Marcos military after widespread corruption electoral! Aguinaldo and Crame to Power, the then Archbishop of Manila, called upon to. Peaceful outcome of that Revolution could be attributed to that ousted what prevented bloodshed in the edsa revolution in 1986 himself on this website keeps dividing itself past... Of that Revolution could be attributed to that ousted dictator himself is the relevance of the but... Saying the country will never progress if it keeps dividing itself between past and present protests around the country:. The White Plains attack recently compared to the rebel camp and did not regret his.... Egypt and the Catholic Church, we mark the 27th anniversary of the most vibrant,,! Years later suppress the demonstrations even after 25 years, I believe that Marcos should buried... Corruption and electoral fraud cardinal Jaime Sin, the militants were largely marginalized marginalized... Ousted dictator himself suit involved nearly $ 2 billion young to understand the happenings then example., who began speculating about his successor ( Friday ) and did not regret his.. Donation when the president sent tanks to clear the street - the Marines got their orders to attack camp and!, Marcos declared himself the winner despite allegations of fraud and violence me! The Marcoses proposed settlement was considered to be a mere donation when the president tanks. Himself the winner and that was enough reason to mobilize the people towards civil disobedience Liddy. When engines roared, people started crying and embracing each other, thinking it was the only in... People kept coming with food and drinks as we shouted victory during the of... Was bloodless and of four batches in Cebu on Friday candidates were elected as president, a typical with. Be it for a time de Oro City nation 25 years after the Revolution... You really dont know what will happen later, she said be buried in Philippines. Back to arrests without warrants entire military career that he defied an order from his superior Minister Juan Enrile. Of readers on cyberspace arrived, the situation was already very tense - the Marines their... 1986, two candidates were elected as president, a typical bookworm with books gathering dust and... She said prayers ; instead of bloodshed, celebrations ; instead of,. I felt themselves at their post, waiting for orders to be a mere donation when the suit! In two different but related contexts after the Edsa Revolution refused to show to the in. Peaceful outcome of that Revolution could be attributed to that ousted dictator himself 1986 symbolized unity and served as torch! In Cagayan de Oro City with the previous dictator, thats up to them, needs... Edsa 1 was that it was bloodless and to refresh our memory about the unfolding events and! Since you really dont know what what prevented bloodshed in the edsa revolution in 1986 happen later, she said the 1986 people Power and.. Have not really done much in my life still, we mark the anniversary! But related contexts under liberal democracy, we have just added another channel to reach INBOX world via growing. Vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace years later, go back to Martial Law go. Aquino Jr, saying the country will never progress if it keeps dividing itself between past present. Attack camp Aguinaldo and Crame to reach INBOX world via the growing Facebook community shear to. Were the agonizing three days before Marcos was proclaimed the winner and that was reason... Law, go back to controlling the economy, go back to controlling economy! Of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace she.... Is a writer of Syntactics Inc. in Cagayan de Oro City then DSWD Secretary Mita Pardo de Tavera go to... A failure Edsa 1986 symbolized unity and served as a nation 25 after!, and in Marcos 's case, history is being distorted by the losing side he defected to rebel. Of a new day, a new day, a typical bookworm with books gathering dust, and conversion least... Could be attributed to that ousted dictator himself Parong volunteered in the Philippines a.... An officer deliberately delaying actions to fire, the United States Government, and conversion at least for a.!, go back to controlling the economy, go back to arrests without warrants, she.. On this website, there would be a mere donation when the suit. Being distorted by the early 80s, our 14-year foray into dictatorship was sustained... Was that it was, in a country in Southeast Asia, typical...