500 cops secure EDSA Shrine

Some 500 policemen from the Eastern Police District (EPD) were deployed yesterday to the vicinity of EDSA Shrine in Pasig City to avert any untoward incident during the celebration of the second anniversary of people power 2 tomorrow.

EPD director Chief Superintendent Rolando Sacramento said policemen have been ordered to observe maximum tolerance in dealing with rallyists.

"The EPD has enough people there. We hope that nothing untoward will happen there," he noted.

Last Thursday, leaders of various organizations that toppled former President Estrada went to the Shrine to light candles but were met by a police blockade.

Since last year, the Catholic hierarchy has banned the holding of political rallies at the Shrine, prompting EDSA 2 prime movers to hold the celebration at nearby De La Salle University compound on Ortigas Avenue.

The Church said they wanted to prevent a repeat of EDSA 3 two years ago, when Estrada loyalists camped out at the Shrine for a week and desecrated the Shrine. The demonstrations were capped by a foiled attempt to take over the Malacañang on May 1, 2001.

However, Auxiliary Bishop of Manila Socrates Villegas, rector of the Shrine, assured critics of the Arroyo administration they are welcome to attend the 11:30 a.m. Mass, but with certain conditions.

In a phone conversation with Pastor "Boy" Saycon of the Council on Philippine Affairs, he asked only that no banners be brought to the Shrine and that there should be no shouting and chanting from participants.

He also clarified that he had nothing to with the blockade that prevented Saycon, Bayan’s Teddy Casino and party list Reps. Crispin Beltran and Liza Masa from going near the Shrine. – Sheila Crisostomo, Marvin Sy