• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The Police Regional Office Negros Island Region (PRO NIR) successfully concluded its security operations for the 40th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution yesterday, February 25, reporting a safe and orderly commemoration across the island.
An estimated 2,850 participants took part in the observance, with the largest gatherings recorded in Kabankalan City at around 2,100 people, followed by Bacolod City with 680, and Dumaguete City with 70.
The regional office deployed a total of 2,127 personnel who were stationed at key landmarks and public squares to maintain comprehensive security coverage.
Regional Director Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay noted that the operation was designed to balance law enforcement with the protection of civil liberties.
“The 40th anniversary of EDSA reminded us that democracy thrives when citizens can exercise their rights freely and safely,” Ibay said.
COMMEMORATION
The 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution was commemorated in Bacolod City through the third “Trillion March” rally.
Various cause-oriented groups, led by the church sector, gathered at the Bacolod Public Plaza to protest against national corruption.
During a mass at the Provincial Capitol, Bishop Patricio Guzon emphasized the importance of remembering EDSA while calling for an end to systemic dishonesty in the Philippines.
Human Rights Advocates Negros joined nationwide protests in Bacolod to demand genuine democracy and an end to persistent social injustices.
The group honored the martyrs of the martial law era while condemning current human rights abuses in peasant communities and the alleged ‘wanton violation’ of the right to protest under the current administration.
Urging the public to remain vigilant, the advocates warned that the return of a Marcos to the presidency has mirrored a state of ‘martial law,’ necessitating a continued struggle for systemic social change.*
