September 21 Mendiola Mobilization and State Repression

Last September 21, 2025, we commemorated the 53rd anniversary of Marcos Sr.’s Martial Law, a clear form of state fascism in his regime. Alongside this, we also called for a mobilization against the rampant corruption happening within the government including the kickbacks from flood control projects, development projects, and pork inserts in the national budget. National democratic organizations rallied from Luneta Park to Mendiola Peace Arch. The Mendiola Peace Arch symbolizes with intention to promote a “culture of peace” encouraging peaceful demonstrations within the masses and authorities. It also houses the Malacanang Palace, the official residence and workplace of the President of the Philippines, currently President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the son of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. After the mobilization at the Mendiola Peace Arch, sudden chaos ensues between the police and the protesters. The police resorted to using force and brutality amongst the protesters, using tear gases, guns, and even illegal detainment. The chaos lasted for hours, even long after the mobilization was done. There were reports from people living near the area to have heard and seen shooting coming from the police. Reports of the incident were blacked out from mainstream media, hiding what really happened during the September 21 Mendiola Mobilization. It should also be concluded that if maximum tolerance during protests are enforced, why would the police use brutality and violence in a peaceful mobilization? Even after the September 21 Mendiola Mobilization, the state has issued subpoenas to different leaders, even youth leaders, indicating that they were inciting violence during the mobilization. This is a clear indication on how the state represses and uses their power to suppress the voices of the masses. The people have already called forth their anger towards the rampant corruption in the government system, which we can already say is a form of oppression and human rights violation incited by the state. The people joined together in arms during the September 21 Mendiola Mobilization as a form of resistance against the daily corruption, oppression, and exploitation of the state, but the state would resort to different forms of repression just to silence the calls of the toiling masses. They would resort to police brutality, violence, and issuing subpoenas and cases towards different leaders and activists. Yet, even if the state would resort to different forms of repression, the anger of the masses would not be left unheard, but rather would grow louder and angrier, such as contributing to the people’s resistance and movement.