Filipinos in Tokyo gather at Rizal bust, hit Marcos hero’s burial

Filipinos at “Picnic for Peace & Justice with Pepe.” CONTRIBUTED

TOKYO — A group of Filipinos holding signs that read “Marcos Not a Hero,” “Marcos Magnanakaw” and “Never Again” gathered Nov. 23 near Rizal’s bust in Hibiya Park, to protest the “hero’s burial” of the late dictator

Called “Picnic for Peace & Justice with Pepe,” the gathering expressed moral indignation over recent events in the Philippines, solidarity with like-minded Filipinos all over the world, and aimed to educate its members on the Philippines’ Martial Law era.

WATCH: Filipinos in Tokyo’s Hibiya park protesting Marcos sneak “hero’s burial.

The group, Philippine Democracy Forum, consisted of 15 to 20 students, academics, and young professionals–all indignant over the surprise burial of Ferdinand Marcos in the Libingan ng mga Bayani last Nov. 18, and its implications for justice, democracy, and the rule of law in the Philippines. A Japanese and one Indonesian academic were also part of the group.

Jose Rizal’s bust in Hibiya Park, Tokyo with protest sign. CONTRIBUTED

During discussions, participants shared their concern over misinformation and trolling on social media that is fueling discord and divisiveness among Filipinos. Some curious passersby inquired about the issue and expressed support. A group of Filipino tourists, who came to take photos with Rizal’s bust also joined in the discussion.

The group is now planning on hosting a forum in early December to discuss and raise awareness about the Martial Law era.