Summary
Highlights
Ferdinand Marcos's 20-year rule in the Philippines ended in just four days, overthrown by a nonviolent military revolt supported by the church and its people, a unique story of arms being overcome by faith.
The story began 2.5 years earlier with the assassination of Benigno Aquino Jr. upon his return from exile. Despite clear evidence, military figures involved were acquitted, leading to a snap election marred by fraud and a widely disputed victory for Marcos, denied by Corazon Aquino and international observers.
Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile and General Fidel Ramos, facing arrest for a planned coup, staged a mutiny. Cardinal Sin, head of the Catholic Church, called upon the people to support the rebels, leading to a massive outpouring of civilian support, providing food and forming a human shield.
Father James Reuter established a crucial network of Catholic radio stations, with Radio Veritas playing a vital role in broadcasting news of the revolution. Despite attempts to silence it, Radio Veritas continued to inform the public, keeping the rebellion connected with the people. Its resilience was seen as a miracle.
Marcos ordered Marines to move on Camp Aguinaldo. Civilians, many armed with rosaries and faith, formed a human barricade, preventing the tanks from advancing. After hours of negotiation, General Tadiar ordered his tanks to withdraw without a single shot fired, marking a victory for the people.
Marcos defiantly refused to step down, believing he still had control. However, his power was crumbling as the 15th Strike Wing refused to carry out orders and defected, marking a turning point in the rebellion. This defection triggered a mass exodus of military personnel to the side of the rebels.
Marcos became increasingly isolated as thousands rallied against him. The air force targeted his remaining assets, and the government television station fell, signifying the complete loss of his control over media and military. Marcos desperately proposed a provisional government to Enrile, but it was rejected.
Corazon Aquino emerged from hiding to be sworn in as president, representing the will of the Filipino people. Marcos, attempting his own inauguration, lost control of the last TV station broadcasting his oath. A phone call from Senator Laxalt ultimately led Marcos to accept his defeat, marking the end of his rule and surprising many who expected a violent end for him.
The events were seen as a divine intervention, a testament to God's grace moving through a nation. The courage of bishops, the collective will of ordinary citizens, and the surprising gentleness of soldiers, coupled with Marcos's sudden shift, transformed a brutal regime into a new era of hope and peace for the Philippines.