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FQS activists to reclaim Mendiola on Jan 26


Activists of the 1970s will hold a commemorative rally at the historic Mendiola Bridge in Manila to mark the 38th anniversary of the First Quarter Storm (FQS) at 10 a.m. on Saturday, 26 January 2008. They will be joined by the activists of today from the various organizations of the youth and students, Bonifacio Ilagan, president of First Quarter Storm Movement, said. The FQS Movement is the umbrella organization of the activists of the 1960s and 1970s who have banded together “to keep alive the spirit of the FQS of 1970." It has been 38 years since the FQS raged like no other tempest in the Philippines. It was the baptism of fire for the generation of militants that set off to join the Filipino people in the war against the repressive Marcos regime and the whole oppressive and exploitative system of governance in the country, Ilagan said. It is to be recalled that on January 26, 1970, President Ferdinand Marcos delivered his “State of the Nation" Address in the old Congress building, which is now the National Museum. Some 50,000 demonstrators from all walks of life gathered there to deliver their own version of the state of the nation. It turned out to be a battle that underscored the brutality of the police and the military against the unarmed critics of government. On January 30-31, 1970, the historic Battle of Mendiola erupted, claiming the lives of four students. Hundreds were hurt. About 300 were arrested. A series of violent confrontations between activists and state troopers ensued up until March 1970 in what is now called the FQS of 1970. - GMANews.TV

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