Aquino Supporters Denounce Marcos Loyalists, Thwart Gathering

Thousands of pro-government demonstrators marched through Manila on Sunday, chanting “Hang the loyalists!” of former Philippine President Ferdinand E. Marcos and thwarting a weekly gathering of followers of the ousted leader.

Hundreds of riot police patrolled a seaside park to separate the 18,000 supporters of President Corazon Aquino and a handful of Marcos loyalists who stood off to the side jeering.

“Loyalists, loyalists, scourge of the nation!” the marchers shouted as they converged from 10 points in the capital to denounce Marcos’ followers and call for tougher action against leaders of last month’s failed revolt against the Aquino government.

“Hang the loyalists!” some chanted.

Organized by an alliance of labor, students, special interest groups and professionals calling itself the Campaign to Advance Freedom and Defend Democracy, the rally blocked the loyalists from staging their weekly anti-government protest.

Loyalists at Rival Rally

The loyalist leaders, believing they would be driven from the park, staged a rally at a plaza in the coastal city of Cavite, 10 miles south of Manila, but reporters said that less than 200 supporters turned out to greet them in what has become their weekly rallies.

Drenched by afternoon rains, the pro-Aquino forces marched home peacefully after the four-hour demonstration and no incidents were reported. But one man drew the ire of the crowd and was nearly attacked when they saw the word “Marcos:” on his T-shirt.

Aware of potential trouble, the man unzipped his jacket to expose the words “Curse of the Nation” printed below.