Cops brace for San Juan rally

The 17,000-strong National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) would be placed on full alert starting 6 p.m. today in anticipation of a political opposition rally scheduled for tomorrow in San Juan, the bailiwick of former President Joseph Estrada.

Metro police chief Director Vidal Querol said an initial 200 anti-riot policemen would be fielded to ensure that the rally at the Pinaglabanan Shrine would be peaceful and orderly.

"I’m appealing to organizers to police their ranks and stage their protest rally in areas specified in their permit," Querol said.

San Juan police chief Superintendent Rodelio Jocson said Mayor Joseph Victor Ejercito issued a permit for a rally to be held at 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. tomorrow.

Querol directed Chief Superintendent Oscar Valenzuela, director of the Eastern Police District (EPD), to meet with rally organizers.

"We should see to it that the rally does not inconvenience the commuting public," said Querol.

Senior Superintendent Felipe Rojas Jr., NCRPO intelligence chief, said the rally would be spearheaded by Ejercito and Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay. They will be joined by a coalition of militant groups.

Rojas said they are monitoring squatters areas in Metro Manila for possible recruitment activities by the opposition.

Reacting to reports that the opposition could use the Pinaglabanan Shrine as a gathering point for a march to Mendiola, Rojas said they would prevent this from happening "at all cost."

Querol pointed out that they will strictly enforce the "no permit, no rally" policy.