Turmoil grips Philippines in 1986 as People Power ends Marcos rule – from the SCMP archive

This story was published on February 25, 1986. Marcos on brink of Manila turmoil From Harvey Stockwin The Philippine capital Manila was last night (February 24, 1986) in revolutionary turmoil as a people’s government led by Corazon Aquino sought to take over the country backed by a massive demonstration of non-violence by hundreds of thousands of unarmed supporters. But President Ferdinand Marcos clung to the illusion that he is still in control. Yesterday evening he effectively declared war on... AdvertisementThe PhilippinesAsiaSoutheast AsiaOn This Day | Turmoil grips Philippines in 1986 as People Power ends Marcos rule – from the SCMP archiveOn this day 40 years ago, a series of massive protests in Philippines ended the decades-long rule of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos SnrReading Time:3 minutesWhy you can trust SCMPSCMPPublished: 12:15pm, 25 Feb 2026This story was published on February 25, 1986.Marcos on brink of Manila turmoilFrom Harvey StockwinThe Philippine capital Manila was last night (February 24, 1986) in revolutionary turmoil as a people’s government led by Corazon Aquino sought to take over the country backed by a massive demonstration of non-violence by hundreds of thousands of unarmed supporters.But President Ferdinand Marcos clung to the illusion that he is still in control.AdvertisementYesterday evening he effectively declared war on the Philippine people in an interview broadcast by telephone from Malacanang Palace as he called on all loyal soldiers and his private armies to come and demonstrate the power of violence. And later on there were reports that Marcos troops had dropped mortar shells on a transmitter of the Catholic Church’s Radio Veritas station. No further details were available.“I have no intention to resign. I have no intention to give up the presidency,” Marcos said.Advertisement“I have no intention to compromise. I am fighting for survival. I am fighting for my life,” he said.AdvertisementSelect VoiceSelect Speed0.8x0.9x1.0x1.1x1.2x1.5x1.75x00:0000:001.00x