MANILA - The Ateneo de Manila University and the De La Salle University urged students and the public to remember those who fought for freedom during Martial Law under the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

"We invite the members of our academic communities and the Filipino people to remember the sacrifices of those who fought for our rights, freedom, and democracy," the universities said in a joint statement released on the eve of Martial Law.

"May we be inspired by their courage, learn from their sacrifices and struggles, and be true to what they fought for. Let us not allow those who seek to suppress our rights and freedom to hold sway over our future as a nation."

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The universities also encouraged the youth to "do all they can to understand and learn the lessons of history" and reminded academics not to "abdicate their duty to educate the next generation on the truths of our history."

"We do not call this day a holiday or a special day of commemoration. We cannot celebrate this day of infamy. Rather, this day must remind us of what we almost lost, and what we may lose again, if we are not vigilant and wise," they said.

Marcos signed Proclamation No. 1081, the declaration of Martial Law, on Sep. 21, 1972.

The late dictator addressed the nation on Sep. 23, 1972, putting the declaration into full effect.

The city of Manila has suspended classes in anticipation of protests commemorating the martial rule under Marcos.

The presidents of Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University have released a joint statement on the eve of the 46th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law. pic.twitter.com/GpDxQ1BY9R

— Ateneo de Manila (@ateneodemanilau) September 20, 2018