Manila cops ready for LaborDay

Western Police District (WPD) director Chief Superintendent Pedro Bulaong is hopeful that Palace siege during the May 1, 2001 would not be repeated during the Labor Day celebration next week.

It can be recalled that some 20,000 supporters of jailed President Joseph Estrada attacked Malacañang in an effort to oust President Arroyo and reinstate their idol, a former actor.

Bulaong said WPD has mapped plans in response to the mass action on Labor Day to ensure peace and order on May 1.

He said he instructed all the 11 station commanders and other division chiefs to design security measures for a peaceful and orderly celebration of Labor Day.

Bulaong noted that a number of uniformed personnel would be deployed in areas where labor groups are expected to hold rallies, particularly Chino Roces Bridge near Malacañang.

He said a "no permit, no rally" policy would be strictly implemented in the country’s capital on May 1. At the same time, he ordered WPD anti-riot policemen to observe maximum tolerance during the celebration.

The WPD chief also called on labor groups to hold their rallies in a peaceful and orderly manner and prevent unscrupulous individuals from infiltrating their groups. – Cecille Suerte Felipe