MANILA — The embassy of the Republic of Turkey in the Philippines commemorated the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for democracy in Turkey through a photo exhibit at Fairmont Hotel, Makati City on July 15 marking the third year anniversary of the event.
“Most Balkan countries, Asia, and Africa, where FETÖ (Fetullah Terrorist Organization) is present, have concluded all the activities of the organization in their country. The United States of America, members of the European Union, and members of NATO have also shown their support to Turkey,” Ambassador of Turkey to the Philippines Artemiz Sumer said in his speech.
The envoy said the coup attempt has become a reason to forge stronger unity among the people of Turkey, declaring July 15 as Democracy and National Unity Day.
The photo exhibit features images of what has transpired during the 2016 coup attempt where at least 250 people were killed and thousands were injured.
The courage and solidarity of the Turkish people were evident as thousands took to the streets in the middle of the night to protect their freedom and country.
The coup attempt on July 15, 2016, was carried out by a small Turkish military faction, allegedly connected with the Fetullah Gülen movement. They attacked the city, trying to unseat President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
FETÖ started as a religious movement to change the regime into becoming “more Islamic,” but over time it became a Parallel State Structure that poses a grave threat to the democratic, secular, and constitutional regime of Turkey. It turned into a secretive operational structure, which aimed to transform society by taking control of the Turkish state from within.
The movement became successful by preserving the movement’s image as a benevolent civil society organization and it slowly infiltrated key state institutions.
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