The Memorable Marcos Regime - Martial Law

In September 1972 Marcos declared martial law, claiming that it was the last defense against the rising disorder caused by increasingly violent student demonstrations. One of his first actions was to arrest opposition politicians in Congress and the Constitutional Convention. Under martial law the regime was able to reduce violent urban crime, collect unregistered firearms, and suppress Communist insurgency in some areas. At the same time, a series of important new concessions were given to foreign investors, including a prohibition on strikes by organized labour, and a land-reform program was launched. In January 1973 Marcos proclaimed the ratification of a new constitution based on the parliamentary system, with himself as both president and prime minister. He did not, however, convene the interim legislature that was called for in the constitution.

»»  read more

Battle of Pinaglabanan - Pinaglaban Shrine, Municipality of San Juan

Today is the national / local celebration of the Battle of Pinaglabanan, a Battle which sparked the Philippine Revolution of 1896. The revolution began (August 23, 1896 - Cry of Pugadlawin) with Bonifacio and his men tearing up their cedulas. A valiant Katipunero, Simplicio Acabe, became the first casualty of the revolution. And in August 30, 1896 - Bonifacio, leading his ragtag army of poorly armed and untrained Katipuneros, attacked the polverin(powder depot) of San Juan which was defended by 100 well-armed and trained artillerists and infantrymen. More than 200 Katipuneros were taken prisoner and 153 died.

Almost simultaneously, the people of Santa Mesa, Pandacan, Pateros, Taguig, San Pedo, Makati, Caloocan, Balik-balik, and San Juan del Monte in Manila, and San Francisco de Malabon, Kawit and Noveleta in Cavite rose up in arms.

»»  read more