Filipinos in Thailand prepare to stage rally on FM inaugural

BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) — The Filipino community in Bangkok will stage a rally in front of the Philippine embassy Tuesday to protest Philippine President Ferdinand E. Marcos’ “ill-manuevered proclamation as President.”

In an open letter distributed to reporters in Bangkok Saturday, the Filipinos said the “peaceful rally” is “the first of our many actions as emissaries of truth, justice and freedom,” which have been lost during 20 years of Marcos rule.

“We call on all Filipinos and friends of the Philippines in the Asean (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and around the world to support our struggle,” said the letter by “concerned Filipinos in Thailand.”

Marcos has set Tuesday as his inauguration day to the presidency after the Feb. 7 election, which has been criticized as being fraudulent.

The latter said the gathering is to show unity with millions of Filipinos in the Philippines and abroad who are trying restore “truth, justice and freedom.”

One Filipino said he expected up to 1,000 Filipino residents of Thailand to join the rally. Some Thais are also expected to participate in the event, he said.