Plaza Miranda – a historic public square located in the heart of Quiapo, Manila, directly in front of the world-famous Quiapo Church, formally known as Minor Basilica and National of Jesus Nazareno). Its name is derived from Jose Sandino y Mirando, who served from 1833 to 1854 as Philippines’ Secretary of Treasury. Presently, it is associated with fortune tellers, lucky charm vendors, religious devotees and the countless people who pass through Quiapo every day.
But behind its busy and familiar character lies one of the darkest chapters in Philippine political history.
Some fifty-five years ago, on August 21, 1971, Plaza Mirana became the scene of a violent bombing that would shock the nation and leave a lasting mark on Philippines democracy. It was a Saturday night and Plaza Miranda was filled with people as the Liberal Party was holding a campaign event for its senatorial candidate and its candidate for Manila Mayor. Thousands of supporters gathered to listen to speeches and took part of the miting de avanze.
Then, out of nowhere, to everyone’s shock, two (2) grenades were thrown toward the stage. The explosions killed nine (9) people and injured ninety-five (95) others. Among those injured were several prominent Liberal Party politicians – future Senate President Jovito Salonga sustained injuries that permanently damages his sight and hearing, the mayoralty candidate for Manila, Ramon Bagatsing, lost its leg.
But the victims were not only politicians. Ordinary citizens who had simply come to attend a political rally were also caught in the explosion. A five (5) year old boy and a photographer from Manila Times were among those who were killed.
In a matter of seconds, a political gathering became a scene of death and chaos. The Plaza Miranda bombing shocked and stunned the entire nation. It became an attack on people exercising one of the most basic rights in a democracy.
What followed was equally significant. The bombing intensified the already growing political tension in the country. At the time, the Philippines was experiencing increasing unrest, political conflicts and growing concerns over communist insurgency. The country was deeply divided and the trust between the current administration and the opposition is rapidly deteriorating.
The question of who was responsible for the bombing has become one of the most controversial issues in Philippines. Said question carries the same mystery and controversy as that of who ordered the assassination of Senator Ninoy Aquino.
The Marcos administration blamed communist elements for the attack. The opposition, on the other hand, questioned the government’s account and raised suspicions that the bombing could have been used to justify stronger government measures against its political opponent. There were account from former communist member claiming responsibility for the unfortunate event, but up until now, no viable was ever presented.
Following the bombing, the President Ferdinand Marcos suspended the privilege of the writ of the habeas based on the actual and imminent threat of communist group at that time. The country entered an increasing tense period marked by political unrest, violence and chaos. The bombing became part of the chain of events that eventually led to the declaration of martial law in September 1972.
It would be inaccurate, however, to that Martial Law began at Plaza Miranda as the same was formally declared more than a year later or that the bombing was the only factor why it was declared. Nevertheless, the Plaza Miranda bombing is widely remembered as one of the major events that contributed to the atmosphere of fear, instability, and political polarization that preceded martial law.