Photo credit: Bagong Alyansang Makabayan Timog Katagalugan

Various activist groups from Southern Tagalog and other regions continued their mobilizations on Sunday as the country marked the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution—despite heavy police deployment, convoy delays, and reminders of “no rally without permit” policies in parts of Metro Manila.

At Plaza Lacson in Manila, organizations from Timog-Katagalugan held an early morning program where they reiterated calls for accountability, anti-corruption reforms, and the resignation of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte. Their messages centered on the belief that public vigilance remains essential four decades after the 1986 uprising.

Although authorities emphasized that rallies without permits would not be allowed in non-designated areas, participants said they were determined to proceed to the main EDSA@40 activities scheduled later in the day. Organizers insisted that “Hindi mapipigilan ang galit ng mamamayan,” stressing that the push for justice remains larger than attempts at restricting assembly.

Tight Police Deployment in Tacloban

In Tacloban City, local groups commemorating EDSA also reported what they viewed as an overkill police presence. Around 50 police personnel were deployed to monitor their activity—an arrangement organizers claimed felt intimidating despite the gathering being peaceful and permitted.

Still, they vowed to continue their program.

“We will continue our program to express our demands for accountability and justice over corruption of public funds, and the failure of the administration of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to address low wages, surging prices, and the miserable living conditions of the majority of Filipinos. The fighting spirit of EDSA lives!”

Local reports confirm that Tacloban authorities tightened security protocols ahead of the anniversary but did not explicitly link this to economic grievances. The stepped-up measures appear to be part of broader preparations for expected protest actions nationwide.

Convoy From Southern Tagalog Blocked in Sampaloc

Tensions also rose in Sampaloc, Manila, where members of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) and the NCRPO blocked vehicles carrying the Southern Tagalog delegation along Mithi Street in Barangay 425 Zone 43.

Police reportedly positioned themselves in front and behind the convoy, citing an alleged obstruction issue. According to officers on site, their station chief had not granted clearance for the group to pass, causing the contingent to be delayed for more than an hour as they attempted to move toward the EDSA@40 commemoration.

Organizers denounced the blockade as a deliberate attempt to restrict their right to peaceful assembly. While online reports from the groups have been consistent, the specific reason for the delay has not yet been independently clarified by local police.

EDSA’s Message Endures

Despite the obstacles encountered throughout the day—from tightened protocols in the regions to blocked convoys in Manila—groups continued their participation in the anniversary events.

For protesters, this year’s EDSA commemoration carries renewed urgency amid concerns over corruption, inflation, and dissatisfaction with governance. They emphasized that the legacy of People Power is not merely symbolic but a reminder that the public must remain involved and outspoken.

As one organizer said, the call remains the same: “Lahat ng sangkot, dapat managot.”