Today in PH History

When President Marcos declared martial law on September 21, 1972 by virtue of Proclamation No. 1081, it curtailed press freedom and other civil liberties, closed down Congress and media establishments, and effected the arrest of opposition leaders and militant activists.

The declaration of martial law was initially well received, given the social turmoil the Philippines was then experiencing, including the re-emergence of the communist movement.

Among some its desirable results was the significant reduction of the crime rate after a nightly curfew was implemented nationwide.

Marcos eventually lifted martial law on January 17, 1981.

Source: Kahimyang