Marines, cops take over Iligan square

ILIGAN CITY — Plans by militant groups to stage anti-Arroyo rallies here yesterday fizzled out after scores of policemen and Marines stood on guard at the public square to prevent them from converging there.

This, as several leaders in Cagayan de Oro City, this city and Lanao del Norte as well as the command of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division expressed support for the duly constituted authority.

"We remain loyal to the Constitution and the commander-in-chief," said Maj. Gen. Cardoso Luna, 4th ID chief.

Iligan City Mayor Lawrence Cruz appealed to the rallyists, both anti- and pro-Arroyo, to hold their respective mass actions to mark the EDSA People Power Revolt elsewhere, but warned them that any form of violence would be dealt with severely.

Cruz urged the police and the military to exercise maximum tolerance in dealing with the rallyists.

"So far there is no incident of any violence; everything is peaceful and orderly," said Senior Superintendent Graciano Mijares, city police chief. — Lino de la Cruz, Edith Regalado