Metro cops prepare for Labor Day rally

At least 10,500 policemen will be deployed in Metro Manila during the massive rally during the Labor Day celebration on May 1.

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said the rally would be spearheaded by militant and transport groups, civil society and supporters of ousted President Joseph Estrada.

In his recent briefing to Metro Manila mayors, NCRPO chief Deputy Director Gen. Avelino Razon Jr. confirmed that there would be a massive rally and that its organizers are now recruiting participants to join the mass actions.

"We will not take the threat sitting down," Razon said.

Among the issues to be raised during the rally were the alleged massive corruption in the Arroyo administration, the oil deregulation and the expanded VAT law.

The NCRPO has monitored several meetings of rally organizers which also include the communist movement’s rejectionist group of the late Popoy Lagman.

The rally organizers are also convincing transport leaders to stage another round of strike to keep jeepneys and buses off the streets on May 1 and 2, the NCRPO said.

Razon directed Superintendent Napoleon Taas, NCRPO intelligence chief, to intensify intelligence-gathering operations.

Taas said they received reports that the rallyist would not end their anti-government rally at 5 p.m. on May 1 but would extend their protest actions until the following day.

Razon has placed the NCRPO on a heightened red alert status on May 1 and 2. "We will be prepared for any eventuality," he said.

Aside from 10,000 NCRPO personnel, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Arturo Lomibao has committed 100 policemen each from Region’s 1, 2, 3, 4-A and 5 to augment the Metro Manila police force on the said dates.

Lomibao ordered Razon to prepare Crowd Disturbance and Managements (CDMs) by conducting daily anti-riot drills.

"Our contingency plans are in place," said Razon.