A multi-sectoral protest action under the theme 'HINDIPENDENCE Day: People’s Parade and Cultural Protest' occupied the streets of Cebu City on Friday, June 12, 2026, as a commemoration of the 128th celebration of Independence Day through a march and cultural program.
Protest Action Details
The event started at 9 a.m. at Carbon Freedom Park, where participants joined the Save Carbon Movement Human Chain.
Bayan Central Visayas chairperson Jaime Paglinawan Sr. emphasized the need to oppose what he described as foreign domination and policies that continue to burden ordinary Filipinos, stating that the country has not yet achieved true freedom and national sovereignty.
'We have not yet achieved true freedom,' Paglinawan said.
Organizers' Statements
Organizers from Bagong Alyansang Makabayan–Central Visayas said the action aimed to highlight issues they linked to foreign influence, rising prices, landlessness, low wages, and poverty, while calling for united action across various sectors of society. Members of the Save Carbon Movement also joined the event, calling for the preservation of the cultural and historical significance of Carbon Public Market.
According to Paglinawan, market vendors continue to play a significant role in the local economy and deserve greater support from the government, especially as many face rising commodity prices and economic uncertainty.
'Instead of allocating funds to large infrastructure projects like flood control, it is better to support vendors so that their contributions and fees are not too heavy,' Paglinawan said.
