MANILA- Around 4,000 policemen will be deployed around Metro Manila to enforce the law during the conduct of rallies by militant groups to mark the 46th anniversary of martial law.

Philippine National Police spokesperson Chief Supt. Benigno Durana said maximum tolerance would be observed during the conduct of protests.

He also noted that protests will only be allowed at freedom parks.

Earlier, left-wing groups said they hoped to mobilize thousands in a rally on Friday to stand against what they call "a looming dictatorship."

The protesters will gather in different parts of Metro Manila before marching to Luneta at 4 p.m., according to a statement of groups Bayan and Bayan Muna.

• Militants prepare protest to mark Martial Law anniversary

The Philippines was placed under martial law by late strongman Ferdinand Marcos Sr. on Sept. 21, 1972.

The Marcos regime was a period that saw human rights violations such as extra-judicial killings, illegal detentions, enforced disappearances, and other forms of abuse on those opposed to the late dictator's leadership.

Over 4 decades later, his heirs are on the verge of a comeback on the national political scene.

• Life under Marcos: A fact-check

-report from Zhander Cayabyab, ABS-CBN News