Militants stopped from rallying in front of US Embassy

As militant groups burned an American flag on T. M. Kalaw Avenue a block away from the United States Embassy in Manila, spectators at nearby Rizal Park watched Air Force paratroops jump off from helicopters as part of the country’s 104th Independence Day celebrations yesterday.

A phalanx of 80 anti-riot policemen blocked rallyists at T. M. Kalaw and United Nations avenues before they could reach Roxas Boulevard in front of the US Embassy.

Kalaw and United Nations are parallel avenues leading to Roxas Boulevard in front of the US Embassy from Taft Avenue several blocks away.

When it was clear that the police would not allow them to march toward the US Embassy, the rallyists from Akbayan, Alliance of Progressive Labor and BISIG held a program at 11 a.m. on Kalaw Avenue near the National Library, and on United Nations Avenue, a block away from the embassy.

At Rizal Park, police arrested nine militants belonging to Alab Katipunan at 11 a.m. after they held a mock flag-raising ceremony and read statements in front of the Rizal Monument.

Those arrested included a nine-year-old, a 13-year-old, two 15-year-olds, and Idelfonso Silva, an official of Alab Katipunan, Marilyn Mallo, 36, and Alvin Mendoza, 30.

As of presstime last night, they remained in jail at Ermita police station and the Manila police have not charged them with any crime before the City Prosecutor’s Office.

Superintendent Manolo Martinez, Ermita police station commander, said 210 policemen were deployed at the area around the US Embassy and Rizal Park to maintain peace and order during the celebration of Independence Day.

"We have been prepared," he said. "All entry points to the places of activity have contingency forces. We won’t allow them to disrupt the activities. As long as they are peaceful, we will allow them to hold their protest. All I can guarantee is that any chaos will not come from the police."

Some 8,000 people from all walks of life watched the 104th Independence Day celebrations at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila yesterday.

Others went to the Rizal Park to hawk hats and umbrellas for protection from the sun, face towels to wipe away sweat, and juice in tetra packs as thirst quencher.

Kites were also sold near the grandstand, and parents were seen helping their children fly their colorful kites while waiting for the helicopters carrying the paratroops.

Lovely Joy Vivas, 11, was selling spring rolls (fried lumpia) at Rizal Park on that beautiful day but she was not so lucky as nobody had bought anything from her.

"Wala po (None so far)," the girl from Quiapo, Manila told The STAR when asked how much she had earned before noon yesterday. — Mike Frialde, Romel Bagares, Cecille Suerte Felipe, Mayen Jaymalin