Cops on lookout vs. planking on Martial Law anniversary

The Manila Police District (MPD) is on the lookout for protesters who may resort to "planking" or lying flat on the road to disrupt traffic, on Wednesday, the anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law in the Philippines. In Mendiola near Malacañang Palace, cops tightened security as they expected various groups to hold protest actions on September 21, the 39th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law. Radio dzBB’s Carlo Mateo said protesters will call for the release of political prisoners. Mateo also reported that MPD spokesman Chief Inspector Erwin Margarejo said they are particularly keeping watch over the routes of the protesters. The MPD said protest groups are expected to gather at the University of Santo Tomas area before marching to Mendiola. They are expected to pass along España Avenue and Morayta Street at the University Belt. Martial Law Martial law is the imposition of military rule over designated areas during an emergency. It is usually only temporary, such as when the civilian government fails to function effectively during emergency situations. The Philippines was under Martial Law from 1972 to 1981. The late President Ferdinand Marcos signed Proclamation No. 1081 (Proclaiming a State of Martial Law in the Philippines) on September 21, 1972. It came into force on September 22, 1972 — exactly 28 years after similar proclamations by the late President Jose Laurel in 1944. Marcos’ grip on power began to weaken in 1983 when one of his political foes, the late Senator Benigno Simeon "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. — father of incumbent President Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III — was assassinated on August 21, 1983. The Aquino assassination triggered protests that led to a snap election in 1986 where Aquino’s widow, Corazon "Cory" Cojuangco Aquino, challenged Marcos to the presidency. Allegations of cheating by Marcos led to a bloodless revolt that ousted Marcos and installed Cory to power in 1986. - VVP, GMA News