Protestors outnumber participants at 29th EDSA commemoration

President Aquino led the commemoration of the 29th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution yesterday, February 25, 2015. After leading a wreath-laying ceremony at the People Power Monument, the President attended a Mass at the Shrine of Mary Queen of Peace, Our Lady of EDSA. (Malacañang Photo Bureau)

MANILA –Yesterday’s commemoration of the EDSA People Power Revolution saw the lowest turnout ever in the 29-year history of remembering the event which toppled the Marcos regime.

Reports say that, for the first time in nearly three decades, the number of protestors was greater than the number of people who gathered to mark the anniversary of the historic event.

“This year’s celebration was made simple in view of the mourning period for those who died in Mamasapano last month. For the first time in five years, the holding of a Mass was a focal point of the celebration,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. quoted Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, by way of explanation as to the poor turnout:

“This is to acknowledge that the Filipinos’ faith in God was a major element in the peaceful revolution,” Coloma added, noting that a “bigger celebration is planned for the 30th anniversary celebration next year, which will be the last to be held in the Aquino administration.”

Estimates peg that only 100 civilians participated in the “short and simple” wreath-laying rite led by President Aquino at the EDSA shrine’s People Power Monument. The rest of the crowd was composed of guards and administration officials.