Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of the Philippine capital on Monday to mark the 54th anniversary of the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.'s declaration of martial law, denouncing corruption and abuse of power under the current government.

The rally, reported by Philippine media ABS-CBN, was held on the anniversary of Marcos Sr.'s 1972 declaration. Protesters carried banners and chanted "Never again martial law."

Activist Teddy Casino said the gathering served as a warning to those in power, saying the people will eventually "fight back." Mong Palatino, secretary-general of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, said the rally also aimed to pressure the current administration to take responsibility for corruption and abuse of power.

Ferdinand Marcos Sr., father of current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., ruled the Philippines from 1965 to 1986 and declared martial law on Sept. 21, 1972. The report described the period as "one of the darkest periods in the history of this Southeast Asian country."