EDSA, Mendiola and the power of the people

I WAS reading the personal accounts of those who participated in the 1986 EDSA people power revolt and most of them mentioned the sheer number of people who mobilized and organized themselves in front of Crame and Aguinaldo. Estimates have put the number of those who massed along the highway at around 1 million which led to the end of the 20-year rule of then President Marcos. Some estimates have even placed the numbers to reach up to 2 million.

These numbers were not surprising especially if one includes those who also mobilized near the Malacañang Palace and the broad united front against the dictatorship then. It included in its ranks workers and peasants who have long been fighting for their rights, a large segment of the youth, various middle class groups and professionals, business, the military and the Church.