COUP D'ETAT: The Philippines Revolt (1986) | Documentary

Summary

The documentary recounts the four-day revolt that ended Ferdinand Marcos’s rule in February 1986. It presents the revolt as a military breakaway transformed into a largely nonviolent popular uprising, with the Catholic Church and ordinary citizens playing decisive roles.

The film begins with the 1983 assassination of opposition leader Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino after his return from exile. It describes the acquittal of those accused in the murder and Marcos’s reinstatement of military chief General Fabian Ver. In 1985, Marcos called a snap election. Corazon “Cory” Aquino and her supporters alleged voter intimidation and widespread fraud. Marcos was officially proclaimed the winner, while Aquino’s camp rejected the result and claimed victory.

A group of officers led by Colonel Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan had been planning a coup, including a proposed attack on the presidential palace. After the plot was exposed and the officers faced arrest, Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile and Armed Forces Vice Chief Fidel Ramos took refuge at Camp Aguinaldo and Camp Crame, withdrawing their support for Marcos. Marcos accused them of plotting to assassinate him and his family. Enrile and Ramos said their immediate aim was to resist arrest and challenge Marcos’s authority.

Cardinal Jaime Sin called on Filipinos to support the rebel officers. People gathered around the military camps, bringing food and forming human barricades. Father James Reuter and a network of Catholic radio stations helped relay information after the main Radio Veritas transmitter was destroyed. The documentary emphasizes that the crowds’ presence, religious faith, and willingness to stand between the troops and the camps helped deter a violent assault. Marines and tanks eventually withdrew without firing.

The standoff intensified the following day. Marcos’s forces prepared to attack, but pilots and personnel from the 15th Strike Wing refused orders to strike rebel positions and defected. Their move encouraged further defections across the armed forces, leaving Marcos increasingly isolated. Meanwhile, government forces surrendered the television station, and public resistance continued despite a curfew.

Cory Aquino returned to Manila and took an oath as president, while Marcos held a separate inauguration. Its television broadcast ended when the station fell. Enrile rejected Marcos’s late offer to cancel the election and form a provisional government, saying the opposition was already committed to supporting Aquino. After receiving advice from U.S. Senator Paul Laxalt to step down, Marcos left the country.

The film closes by portraying the uprising as the result of the people’s courage, church leadership, and soldiers’ refusal to fire on civilians. It presents the revolt as the beginning of a hopeful new period for the Philippines.

Presenters and Contributors Identified

No presenter or narrator is named in the subtitles. Identifiable contributors and figures include:

• Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino
• Ferdinand Marcos
• Corazon “Cory” Aquino
• Juan Ponce Enrile
• Fidel Ramos
• Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan
• Cardinal Jaime Sin
• Father James Reuter
• General Fabian Ver
• General Tadiar
• Major Salito Aromin
• Colonel Sotelo
• U.S. Senator Paul Laxalt