People Power Monument vandalized with pro-Marcos graffiti

MANILA, Philippines - The People Power Monument, a symbol of the country's victory in 1986 against the oppressive martial law regime, was vandalized on Tuesday with graffiti that read "MARCOS PA RIN!"

A photo posted by Instagram user justgunnacao showed that the lower part of the monument adorned with orange and yellow tiles was covered in scrawls exalting the family name of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos, the former president whose 20-year regime ended with the People Power Revolution that culminated on Feb. 25, 1986.

On his Facebook page, EDSA People Power Commission spokesman Celso Santiago condemned the vandalism.

"Ginagalang ko ang kalayaan ng bawat isa na magpahayag ng kanilang saloobin at mangampanya para sa kanilang kandidato. Pero hindi na tama ang lumabag sa batas para gawin ang mga ito," he said.

The late dictator's son, Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., is running for vice president in the national elections this May.

In an interview with state-run PTV – New Media, SPO2 Bernardo Vallesteros of the Quezon City Police District - Station 8 said the vandalism was likely committed late Monday or early Tuesday. He said the police is investigating to identify the culprit behind the incident.

The monument, located along EDSA corner White Plains Avenue in Barangay Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, was created in 1993 by Eduardo Castrillo. 

Every year, during the anniversary of the People Power Revolution, officials and the public gather around the monument to commemorate the overthrow of the Marcos government. - Jovan Cerda