Lim allows journalists' march to Mendiola

MANILA, Philippines - Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim yesterday allowed journalists to march from España Boulevard to Mendiola on Dec. 9 as part of a rally condemning the massacre in Ampatuan, Maguindanao that left 30 media practitioners dead.

Officials of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), led by secretary-general Sonny Fernandez, director May Rodriguez, and member Manny Marinay, said the rally would form part of an internationally-coordinated action called the “International Day of Action for the Philippines.”

Affiliates of the Brussels-based International Federation of Journalists and various media groups will hold simultaneous rallies in their respective countries.

Lim directed secretary to the mayor Rafaelito Garayblas to coordinate with Manila Police District director Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay so the journalists will be given police protection during the rally.

Garayblas said he wants to ensure that the rally would not be marred by chaos, citing the incident at the University of the Philippines the other day when students were hurt in a clash with policemen.

Lim also offered to provide wheelchairs for elderly journalists who intend to join the march. – Sandy Araneta