Marcos critics thrown out of Asia Society in New York City

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 24) — A group of activists on Saturday (Philippine time) staged a lightning protest inside the headquarters of the global non-profit organization Asia Society in Manhattan, New York City.

They sat in front of the entrance of the auditorium where President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. was set to deliver a speech.

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"The sit-in was meant to delay the program and inform the attendees inside the Asia Society of who they are hosting," Bayan USA said in a statement.

Videos circulating on social media showed protesters chanting, "Never again to Martial Law!" as they condemned Asia Society for giving a platform to Marcos, son of late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos.

According to Bayan USA, security personnel dragged and threw the protesters out of the venue.

"After a week of spending the Filipino people's money in New York City—wining and dining at a posh $1,400 per night hotel and watching concerts and Broadway musicals—we wanted to remind Marcos Jr. that we will never forget the crimes of his family," said Berna Ellorin of Bayan USA.

"The blood of those who died, either from the military and police or from debt and poverty, are on his and his family's hands," Ellorin added. "We will never cease until there is justice and accountability for the over 100,000 victims of martial law."

Marcos flew to the United States to attend the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City, where he spoke about pressing issues—including the country's candidacy for the UN Security Council.

He also met with US President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the UNGA to discuss the West Philippine Sea, among other issues. 

Marcos is expected to arrive in Manila Sunday morning.