Marcos Signs Martial Law: Philippines Under Dictator
Ferdinand Marcos signed Proclamation No. 1081 on September 21, 1972, declaring martial law across the Philippines. He justified the declaration by citing communist insurgency and Muslim separatism, but his real purpose was to extend his power beyond the constitutional two-term limit. Marcos dissolved Congress, shut down the free press, arrested opposition leaders including Senator Benigno Aquino Jr., and ruled by decree for the next nine years. The formal martial law period ended in 1981, but Marcos retained dictatorial powers until the People Power Revolution of 1986, when millions of Filipinos filled the streets of Manila and forced him into exile. During his 21 years of authoritarian rule, thousands were killed, tortured, or disappeared.
September 21, 1972
54 years ago
Key Figures & Places
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