20:38, 21-Sep-2017
Philippine National Protest Day: Martial law was imposed 1972-1981
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Let's take a quick look at the controversial martial law, which was announced by the late Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos back in September 1972, and wasn't lifted until 1981. Marcos claimed that the law was the last defense against violent student demonstrations, the threat of a communist insurgency, and a Muslim separatist movement.
After announcing martial law, Marcos cracked down on urban crime, collected unregistered firearms, and suppressed communist activism. His government also gave a number of concessions to foreign investors.
Over 30-thousand opposition figures were detained at military compounds, including Senator Benigno Aquino. Marcos also took control of the nation's legislature and closed Congress. Critics accuse him of embezzling millions of dollars, by putting trusted supporters in strategic economic positions.