Military Goes Full Red Alert Ahead of EDSA 40th Anniversary — Trillion Peso March Part 3 Set for Tomorrow
The Armed Forces of the Philippines has gone on full red alert status as the country prepares for the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution on Wednesday, February 25. With mass gatherings and the third Trillion Peso March expected, the military isn't taking any chances.
AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margaret Padilla said the red alert was raised as early as February 21, meaning all troops and resources are on standby for deployment if the PNP needs backup. "Naka-standby na po ang ating tropa for any eventuality," Padilla said at a Camp Aguinaldo press briefing on Tuesday.
Padilla was quick to clarify the military's role: they're there for security, not politics. "We will not be referees in politics. Our mandate is security. We respect the people's right to assemble," she said. So far, the AFP hasn't monitored any significant threats related to the planned rallies.
Various groups are gearing up for the third Trillion Peso March, a protest movement that erupted over alleged massive corruption in government — particularly the flood control funds controversy that has shaken public trust. The timing with the EDSA anniversary is no coincidence, as protesters are drawing parallels between the original People Power movement and today's anti-corruption fight.
Forty years ago, millions of Filipinos gathered along EDSA to oust the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. — father of the current president. That revolution installed Cory Aquino and restored democracy in the Philippines. Whether tomorrow's gathering becomes another historic moment or just another rally remains to be seen, pero the message is clear: the people are watching.
Source: The Manila Times
