Davao peace activists go naked this time

DAVAO CITY — Anti-war protesters in other countries did it, and they obviously got media mileage.

Today, militants and peace activists will attempt to do the same thing — strip naked. And 200 of them promised to join the "strip protest" — dubbed as "Bare the Truth" — at the Centennial Park here this morning.

The rally, spearheaded by Akbayan, aims to call the attention of the United States and Britain to stop their war against Iraq without the concurrence of the United Nations Security Council.

Interestingly, the Centennial Park is located right across the San Pedro Cathedral, raising talk that the naked protesters might consider moving to the nearby Rizal Park stage.

Senior Superintendent Conrado Laza, city police chief, said the "strip protest" has a permit from the city mayor’s office.

"But we shall refer it to our legal department. It would depend on the discretion of the mayor," said Laza when asked what the police intend to do should the protesters really go totally nude.