Cops, militants to thresh out rules for Makati rally

MANILA, Philippines - Police officials and groups opposing Charter change are set to meet today at the Makati city hall to establish ground rules for the protest rally to be staged along Ayala Avenue on Wednesday.

Metro police director Chief Superintendent Roberto Rosales directed Southern Police District director Chief Superintendent Jaime Calungsud to meet with the rally leaders, headed by Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, at about 2 p.m.

“We wanted to establish guidelines for the protest rally to avoid a violent confrontation among our forces,” Rosales said in an interview.

According to Rosales, they expect Binay to issue a permit for the rally. He vowed to exercise maximum tolerance and respect human rights in dealing with the rallyists, even as he warned anti-riot policemen and rallyists against carrying firearms and deadly weapons.

“They must voluntarily disperse on the exact hour stated in their permit and must allow motorists to use the streets and see to it that agitators would not take advantage of the situation,” he said.

Rosales also warned rallyists against painting slogans and graffiti on the walls and pavement.

The House of Representatives passed a resolution last week calling for the amendment of the Constitution, triggering protests from the opposition and militant groups. Non Alquitran