Manila, Philippines — On Saturday, November 30, 2024, militant groups gathered at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila to commemorate the 161st birth anniversary of revolutionary hero Andres Bonifacio while simultaneously protesting government policies they deemed oppressive.
Among the groups present was Migrante, which advocates for the rights of overseas Filipino workers and their families.
The protesters convened early in the morning before marching to Mendiola, a historic protest site near Malacañang Palace, where they staged their Bonifacio Day demonstration.
As the rally progressed, tensions heightened when the protesters managed to breach a police barricade near the palace.
Authorities were present to maintain order, but the incident underscored the demonstrators’ determination to amplify their grievances against the government.
Bonifacio Day has long been a symbolic occasion for protests, with activists invoking Bonifacio’s revolutionary legacy to call for societal change.
The protesters expressed dissatisfaction with a range of issues, including labor rights, economic inequality, and alleged government inaction on critical social problems.
As of this writing, there have been no reports of injuries or arrests following the breach. Authorities continue to monitor the situation.