MOBILIZATION ON EDSA
(1986 Philippines People Power Revolution)
By uniting, ordinary civilians successfully rose against Marcos, demonstrating the unwavering power of the people.
From February 22nd to 25th, over two million Filipinos gathered on Epifanio de los Santos Avenue to protest Marcos’s corrupt and fraudulent regime.
Accounts on the compassion and unity of protesters on February 22, following Cardinal Sin’s calls:
“Food was never a problem, thanks to volunteer ‘food brigades’; there was always a pot of rice, a pan of pancit, tins of crackers to be passed around…People did not hesitate to sacrifice their cars to barricade the advance of the tanks; one owner...said, ‘Some things are worth more’” (“A History of the Philippines Political Protest”).
“When rumors spread of a potential teargas attack, residents near camps Crame and Aguinaldo scrambled to provide protesters with wet handkerchiefs and towels” (“A History of the Philippine Political Protest”).
“A human barricade [was] formed, protecting the two military camps...[as] protesters block[ed] the path of tanks that refused to fire into the crowds; nuns offer[ed] flowers to soldiers with guns trained on them; helicopters poised to attack the crowd instead turn[ed] and join[ed] the revolt” (Amnesty International).
(“The first human barricade to surround Camp Crame and protect the troops from impending counter-offensives is formed by nuns and seminarians of Bandila”)
“[It was] more than a rally… [we were all] willing to stand in the line of fire and take the bullet…for freedom and change of government” (“A History of the Philippine Political Protest”).
- Edwin Lacierda, presidential spokesperson of Cory’s son, Benigno S. Aquino III, 1986
“Donors were responding to Minister Enrile who said earlier that, although they were ready to die for the country, they had no food for their troops” (Reyes, 1986).
“Young men cut down a tropical pine, drag it to the middle of the street and leave it there as a barricade against tanks” (Vitug, 23 Feb. 1986).
Young girl extends flowers to soldiers as a plea for peace (Miracle at EDSA, 1986).
Former U.S. Senator Paul Laxalt commented on the large protests:
"I hope [Marcos] [comes] to the realization that the majority of the Filipino people no longer [want] him to be president..." (Fritz and Clift).
- Paul Laxalt, Senator of Nevada (1974-1987)
After four days of bravery and sacrifice from Filipinos, the Revolution gained U.S. attention.
◄ ROLE OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
U.S. SUPPORT DECLINES ►