Thousands of protesters gathered at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila to mark the 54th anniversary of the declaration of martial law on Monday.

As of 5 pm, Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso said the crowd estimate at the Freedom Park reached around 5,800.The protesters tried to march towards Recto Avenue but were blocked by policemen as of 5:30 pm. They later dispersed, news reports said.

Domagoso said no untoward incident was recorded in the city related to the protests. Last year, at least 205 persons, including around 120 policemen, were injured when protesters reached Mendiola and set to fire tires.

Not taking any chances, the Philippine National Police deployed a 17,000 police officers and cancelled all days off and leaves. . Malacanang went on lockdown and even its press office was shut down for the day.

However, Manila Police District Director, Brig. Gen. Arnold Santiago said in an interview with reporters that a a commotion occurred when one protester was arrested for vandalism during the rally along Recto Avenue. He had a can of spray paint which he intended to use in a LRT station

Santiago said the arrested individual was later released due to the request of protesters who promised that vandalism will not be repeated during the rally.

In preparation for the possible surge of protesters in the city, Domagoso also suspended face-to-face classes at all levels in Manila on Monday.

Ahead of the rally, the Philippine National Police (PNP) placed the National Capital Region Police (NCRPO) under full alert status since Saturday and deployed over 17,000 police officers to ensure peace and order across key Metro Manila.

Barricades were also set up along Recto Avenue and Ayala Bridge which were both heavily guarded by the police.

President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., father of the current president, declared martial law in 1972 to head challenges from Communist rebels and the Moro National Liberation Front.

Newspapers, TV and radio stations were closed, except those which were government-run or being operated by the Catholic Church.

Classes were suspended for a month and an initial curfew of 10 pm was set. Marcos lifted martial law in January 17, 1981 but he stayed in power until a Church backed bloodless coup in 1986, forcing him, his family and associates left the country. Robina Asido/PHS