Progressive mass organizations and parties all over the Philippines commemorated the 75th International Human Rights Day on 10 December, 2024, by staging demonstrations and rallies in various cities nationwide. The carried the call “Bring Duterte to justice, hold Marcos accountable,” to highlight the extensive violations of human rights under the two consecutive regimes.

In Manila, sectoral groups marched to Liwasang Bonifacio and in the rally destroyed an effigy they called “People vs. Evil and Darkness,” depicting Ferdinand Marcos Jr and the Duterte family in a trash bin, symbolizing their rottenness.

Karapatan, a nationwide human rights alliance, condemned the Marcos regime’s attempts to deodorize itself amid reports of mounting violations of human rights and international humanitarian law perpetuated by its security forces.  On this very day, Marcos unveiled a bogus “Human Rights Action Plan”, which is merely a facade to mislead the international community that “all is well” in the Philippines. Karapatan added,  “The US imperialism that designs and funds these bloody schemes must also be held accountable. The US supports regimes that adhere to policies favoring imperialists and suppress the rights of people opposing and uprising against these oppressive puppets.”

In Bicol, Bayan-Camarines Sur gathered in Naga City while Bicolana Gabriela held a protest at the Legazpi City Commission on Human Rights’ office where police assaulted them, preventing the rallyists from taking photos and videos.

In Cebu, Bebe Allere, chairperson of the Cebu Urban Poor Women’s League, and Nick Abasolo, leader of the Cebu Kilusang Magbubukid (Peasant Movement) ng Pilipinas spoke about militarization of peasant communities in their respective areas. Bayan Muna, Selda-Cebu, and Piston-Cebu also joined the protest.

Similar protest rallies were held in other cities. In Iloilo City, Panay Alliance Karapatan members launched a protest outside the municipal hall. In Davao City, Karapatan-SMR held a commemoration at Freedom Park. In Baguio, progressive groups organized an evening of art and unity at Igorot Park.

The Communist Party of the Philippines’ organ, Ang Bayan (AB), on 10 December 2024, released a special report citing 508,239 human rights victims under the Marcos regime since it took power on June 30, 2022, until December 1 of this year. AB recorded 232 victims of extrajudicial killings and 79 frustrated killings, mostly farmers; 233 victims of abduction; and 488 illegal arrests and detentions. There are also 179 victims of torture and 241 victims of physical assault.

Additionally, there are 2,343 victims of coercion; 82,723 victims of forced evacuation; and 160,862 victims of threats, harassment, and intimidation.