Cops try to block CL anti-Estrada marchers

APALIT, Pampanga — Tension mounted here yesterday as some 100 policemen from Camp Olivas attempted to block at least 2,000 anti-administration marchers who are expected to come face-to-face with supporters of President Estrada near Malacañang tomorrow.

Roman Polintan, chairman of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), said the policemen, led by Senior Superintendent Narciso Targa, blocked the marchers at the boundary of San Simon and this town, delaying the march for about one hour.

"The cops said the vehicles accompanying the marchers did not have travel permits," Polintan said.

Fabian Hallig, regional secretary-general of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), said the tension died down after Bayan leaders presented rally permits issued by officials of the towns that the marchers would pass by. The four-day protest march started in this town last Tuesday.

The march is being participated in by members and sympathizers of the Alyansang Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luzon, the Central Luzon Aetas Association, a group called Ugnayan representing families displaced by Mt. Pinatubo’s eruption, and other militant groups.

Hallig said the marchers "will police their ranks" once they reach Mendiola near Malacañang in Manila tomorrow, amid reports that supporters of President Estrada would camp out in the area.

Polintan said residents of towns traversed by the march have expressed support for the protesters, even giving them free drinks and food.

"This only goes to show that the people are now tired of the bunglings of the Estrada administration," Hallig said.

The marchers reached Calumpit, Bulacan Tuesday night and proceeded to Malolos yesterday morning. — Ding Cervantes, James Mananghaya