AFP reminds public: Follow camp rules at People Power museum

MANILA, Philippines - The military Tuesday reminded those who want to visit the People Power Experiential Museum to follow camp rules and to cooperate with organizers of the tour.

A People Power Experiential Museum that combines elements of theater, cinema, photography, performances, installations, and other allied arts will be open to the public from February 25 to 26.  

The museum was set up to educate the youth about martial law and the 1986 revolt. The experiential museum has nine halls depicting the oppression of martial rule, the struggle of Filipinos to awaken the nationalistic spirit of the masses and the unity of those who went to EDSA to call for democracy.

“Just follow camp rules and regulations. The provisions of the Comelec (Commission on Elections) gun ban is also in effect. We have security personnel at each gate. They just need to follow directions,” Armed Forces public affairs chief Col. Noel Detoyato said.

Detoyato said the first screening of visitors would be conducted by the EDSA People Power Commission. He said Gate 5 of Camp Aguinaldo along White Plains Avenue would be open for those who want to visit the museum.

“They (visitors) will be organized by groups of 40 and the duration of the experiential museum visit will be around 40 minutes,” Detoyato said.

“We will have very limited parking space because our parking space here will be occupied by portions of the experiential museum. We recommend that they leave their cars along White Plains,” he added.

Air Force to display assets 

The Air Force will show off close to 30 air assets during the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the EDSA Revolution Thursday.

Air Force spokesman Col. Enrico Canaya said the two newly-acquired lead-in fighter trainer jets would perform a high-speed opener pass during the program.

Fifteen SF-260FH aircraft, three Bell 412 combat utility helicopters, three UH-1D helicopters and three AW-109 helicopters would also perform a fly-by.  

Two other UH-1H will also drop flowers to the crowd as part of the reenactment of the events that led to the restoration of democracy in the country.

The military has not monitored threats that could disrupt the celebration of the EDSA Revolution’s 30th anniversary.

Col. Vic Tomas, Deputy Commander of the Armed Forces Joint Task Force National Capital Region, said they are working closely with their police counterparts to ensure the safety of those who will join the EDSA rites.

“I believe it will be something worth remembering again. We were the first in the world to come up with a very peaceful revolution and many countries followed suit,” Tomas, who was a young lieutenant during the 1986 bloodless revolt, said.

The 30th anniversary of the People Power revolt will feature the traditional salubungan, a reenactment of the solidarity between soldiers and civilians that led to the toppling of the Marcos dictatorship.

Children of EDSA Heroes and youth leaders will also participate in the salubungan to symbolize their commitment to keep the ideals of EDSA alive.

Other features of the celebration include the flag raising and a commemorative program to be attended by President Benigno Aquino III.