Commemorating the 25th Anniversary of Retaking of Channel 4

* tarpaulin for the commemoration of the retaking of Channel 4 in 1987;

the celebration was dubbed “25th Anniversary: Defending Democracy”

As the month of August ended last week, I chanced upon the decorations just outside the Manila Police District Headquarters (MPD HQ) along United Nations Avenue in Manila. The decorations were in connection with the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the historic retaking of Channel 4 on August 27 to 28, 1987. What could have probably immediately attracted the attention of any chance passerby would be the imposing enlarged tarpaulin-printed photo of a younger Alfredo flanked by armed individuals on both sides.

* the memorial in front of the Manila Police District Headquaters

* Honor Roll, Manila Police District

At first, I thought it was something connected with the EDSA People Power but I was hit by the fact the year was 1987. Definitely post-EDSA People Power. So under the shameful awareness that I missed reading more on this particular part of Philippine history, I resorted to some news articles online detailing the program that was held in the MPD HQ on the morning of August 28, 2012. In there I got some historical tidbits about this event.

The newly established government of Corazon ‘Cory’ Aquino in 1986 did not proceed smoothly. Coups d’etat haunted the infant leadership. Perhaps one of the most remembered, at least for us post-EDSA People Power generation, were the attempts of the Reform the Armed Forces Movement or RAM. One of the establishments that the then rebel soldiers occupied was Channel 4 (now ABS-CBN). The cause of last week’s celebrations was the successful retaking of the said station.

* Citation for the MPD HQ Memorial: “To the Eternal Memory of the Gallant Officers and Men of the Manila Police Department who willingly and gladly laid down their lives to uphold the Law and who Deeds of Heroism are now part of the glorious tradition of this organization; this humble memorial is dedicated July 31, 1953; initiated by Lt. Col. Cesar V. Lucero, Chief of Police of Manila and erected under the sponsorship of the Manila Lions Club”

* Manila’s Finest: seal of the Manila Police District

* classic streamer for the occasion

the decorations, a memorial of sort built in front of the headquarters was also refurbished for the occasion. News reports said that there was a photo exhibit and there was a move to make them permanent. I wish I could see them soon.

Additional References: journal.com.ph, remate.ph