The yearly event, which started in 2012 (as Manilakbayan, a combination of words Manila and Lakbayan),[1] is organized by SANDUGO, with the backing of various militant, progressive, and other allied groups.

[4] On September 1, 2015, Emerito Samarca, was killed by alleged members of the Magahat-Bagani paramilitary group backed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

He was a human rights defender, as well as the director of the Lumad school Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development (ALCADEV) of Surigao del Sur.

This became a major reason for the Manilakbayan 2015, where these evacuees and other minority groups converged in Manila and other cities to air their grievances and to hold protests at government offices.

[7] On November 17, Manila Archbishop Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle made a surprise visit at the Manilakbayan camp in Liwasang Bonifacio.

Their participation within the movement also stems from similar experiences from the Lumads, as well as issues concerning the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

[1] A protest action in front of the US Embassy in Manila, held on October 19, against American imperialism and its manifestations through resource exploitation and the counter-insurgency guide Oplan Bayanihan, turned violent.