Over 10,000 people are expected to join an anti-corruption rally in Mendiola, Manila, on Sept. 21, an organizer said as groups prepare to protest alleged corruption in government, including the flood control controversy.

According to a report by RH Jecelle Ricafort, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) Secretary General Mong Palatino said that the estimate covers only those expected to gather in Mendiola, separate from participants in protests planned in other parts of the country.

Palatino said BAYAN would join the “Rally ng Iisang Bayan Kontra Kurakot” at Liwasang Bonifacio on the afternoon of Sept. 21 before leading a march toward Mendiola.

The rally will coincide with the 54th anniversary of the declaration of martial law in 1972.

Palatino said the group would condemn what it described as widespread corruption in government, particularly alleged irregularities involving flood control projects.

He also linked the protests to continuing issues involving poverty, corruption, repression and foreign domination.

Palatino further accused the Marcos administration of following the policies of the late President Ferdinand Marcos and of using red-tagging, terror-tagging and other measures against activists and political critics.

The administration has denied allegations of systematic repression and has said it respects the public's right to peaceful assembly.

Meanwhile, the National Capital Region Police Office said it will deploy more than 15,000 police officers across Metro Manila to secure the Sept. 21 rallies.