'Silent Majority' remains silent

The "silent protest" is so far living up to its name.

The much-ballyhooed noise barrage, the first in a series of protest actions aimed at showing discontent with the Estrada administration, began yesterday with a whimper instead of a bang.

The 6 p.m. noise barrage is being spearheaded by a group called the "Silent Protest" movement

Although a militant labor organization joined the anti-Estrada group in holding the noise barrage in different points in Metro Manila last night, only the Makati commercial district seemed noisier than usual.

However, two major transport groups said they would not take part in the noise barrage campaign because its purpose is not clear.

"We are not joining the noise barrage because the information is not complete as to its purpose," said Romy Maranan, president of the

Confederation of Land Transport Association of the Philippines (COLTRAP).

Medardo Roda, president of Pinagisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper and Operators Nationwide (PISTON), said his group's stand is not to join the protest action.

The Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) called last night's noise barrage a "Friday Habit," which was the first in a series of noise barrages to be held between 5 and 7 p.m. until May 1, Labor Day.

In a statement, the KMU said weekly protests will be held near Isetann Mall in Cubao, the area below the Light Rail Transit stations in Monumento in Caloocan City and Baclaran, Paranaque City, around the Tutuban Center in Manila, and Alabang crossing in Muntinlupa City.

Members of the Silent Protest Movement conducted their noise barrage at Ayala Avenue in Makati last night, where they distributed exclamation point stickers to motorists.

Some motorists honked their horns in support of the movement, whose members are calling for the ouster of President Estrada or his resignation from office.

The movement encouraged their supporters to honk their car horns and ring church bells for five minutes starting at 6 p.m. yesterday.

Metro Manila police director Chief Superintendent Edgar Aglipay warned protesters they would be arrested if they cause harm to the public or damage private or public property.

He instructed the chiefs of the five police districts to pick up protesters who resort to violence and tap the hoods of passing cars or bang the fences of private and public buildings.

"It's their right under a democratic society to air their sentiments but they should refrain themselves from hurting people and destroying property of others," he said in an interview.

In Eastern Metro Manila, no noise barrage took place, according to Eastern Police District director Chief Superintendent Roland Albano.

Albano said his men, who were deployed in Greenhills in San Juan, SM Megamall in Mandaluyong, and other malls in Ortigas Center in Pasig City, were not able to monitor any protest action in the areas they were patrolling.---Non Alquitran and Jose Aravilla