Philippines activists carry 'Marcos is no hero' banner to mark burial anniversary

Philippine activists and martial law victims hold placards during a protest to mark the anniversary of the heroes burial of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, whose son has emerged as an early frontrunner in the 2022 elections, outside the National Heroes' Cemetery in Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines, November 18, 2021. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez

MANILA (Reuters) - Philippine activists held a protest on Thursday to mark the anniversary of the burial of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, whose son has emerged as an early frontrunner in the presidential race next year.

"We are here to inform the people that Marcos was no hero. He was a dictator," said human rights lawyer and former lawmaker, Neri Colmenares, who had been tortured and jailed during the 14-year martial rule.